By Bill Corliss

Screeching tires, smashed metal, and broken glass. When you see a car crash it can be upsetting, disorienting, and confusing. It is critical that drivers respond correctly to prevent further damage or injury at the scene of a crash.

Many people don’t know their responsibility. Here’s what to do.

The law requires you to stop. Frequently further collisions occur as more cars approach the initial crash. Avoid a chain reaction crash — if it is safe, move the vehicles out of harm’s way to the side of the road or to a parking lot.

Aid the injured if you are qualified. Do not move an injured person unless he is in danger from fire or another collision. Call 9-1-1 for paramedics and other assistance.

Protect the crash scene and prevent further damage by warning oncoming traffic. Flares or reflectors should be placed at least 300 feet away from the scene for both directions of traffic. Be careful not to put yourself or others in danger while directing traffic or warning oncoming vehicles of the crash.

Call the police if anyone is injured or killed. Once the police arrive, provide accurate facts. Never argue about blame, and never admit blame. Stay at the crash until all information has been recorded.

Cell phone users are encouraged to enter information about who should be contacted in the case of an emergency. Enter the letters ICE — In Case of Emergency — before the names of family members or friends in your cell phone directory. This helps paramedics and doctors contact your family members right away in the event of a crash.

Reporting the crash usually requires exchanging information and making two reports. The law mandates the driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance papers must be provided to the police and all others involved in the collision.

In California, a police report must be made within twenty-four hours if there is any injury or death. The DMV also requires a second report from each driver involved in the crash. The police will not make this report. Each driver or her insurance agent must complete California form SR1 within ten days of the crash if any person is injured, no matter how slightly, or if the crash damage is $750 or higher. The SR1 Report of Traffic Accident Occurring in California is available online at dmv.ca.gov.

You must make this report, whether or not you caused the accident and even if the accident occurred on private property.

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