Post-Crash Procedures, Reporting, and Roadside Inspections
After a crash, protect the scene and the people. Stop, set the parking brake, turn on hazard lights, and place warning triangles or flares to warn traffic. Check for injuries and call for medical help and law enforcement. Do not move injured passengers unless there is immediate danger such as fire. Account for all passengers and keep them safe and away from traffic. Exchange required information and report the crash as required by law.
Reporting and documentation: notify your carrier promptly, complete required crash reports, and record details while they are fresh. Do not admit fault or discuss the crash with others beyond officials. For roadside inspections, present your license, medical card, and required documents; cooperate, and correct or note defects. Understand that serious defects can place the vehicle out of service.
Traps: moving injured passengers unnecessarily, leaving the scene, admitting fault, and failing to set out warning devices. Another trap is forgetting to account for passengers after a crash or neglecting to report to the carrier.
Rule of thumb: stop, secure, warn, care for people, then report. Worked example: after a minor collision, set hazards and triangles, check passengers for injury, call 911 if needed, exchange information, and notify your carrier-without admitting fault.