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The best way to deal with an accident is to avoid one in the first place. This means bone up on your defensive driving skills; don’t drive while drunk or angry; make sure your insurance is up to date and the coverage suitable; carry a cell-phone, pen & paper, and safety flares. (Jumper cables, while not pertinent to an accident, are good to carry, too.) And not to sound like your mother, (but she’s right, you know) always wear your seat-belt. As the saying goes, the life you save may very well be your own.

Understand that while you’re driving, you’re metaphorically and legally the captain of your ship. For better or worse, you are responsible for the actions of your passengers, so chose your passengers carefully. Their improper behavior could lead to your legal woes.

After an accident, determine if there are any injuries. Many injuries involving the back and neck may not show symptoms for a few days or even weeks later. With your adrenaline pumping, you may not be aware that you’re injured at all. If you come out spot-free, then consider yourself lucky and learn the lesson to drive more carefully. But if Lady Luck has abandoned you, then it’s time to call 911 and get yourself some medical care pronto!

If possible, like any other accident and for the safety of other drivers and yourself, move your vehicle to the side of the road. This is where a handy set of flares in your trunk might be helpful. A membership with your local Auto Club is enormously beneficial, as if you need a towing, like Ghostbusters, they’re the ones to call.

Determine the location of your accident. If it occurred on your property, then you have the freedom of choice. You can opt to do nothing. Or you can get your car repaired and decide whether you want to report the accident to your insurance company or not. It’s all up to you depending on the pro & cons of your own finances and insurance record. Tiger Woods, unfortunately, hit a public fire hydrant and a tree in his own neighborhood, which changed his options dramatically. Any damage outside of your own property dictates you need to notify the owner of said property. It’s still up to you whether you want to pay for damages out of pocket or make a claim with your insurance company. Don’t compound your problems by running away from an accident!

Many cities, like Los Angeles, only require you to call the police if drugs and alcohol were involved (then again, who is going to call and report themselves if it was a one-car accident? Now there’s a saint!); if the property damage is over $500 or if a passenger required an ambulance. Otherwise, the cops have real crime to sniff out. But policies may be different in other localities, so if you have any doubt, call those who Serve & Protect in your neighborhood.