Car accident

Yeah, it is common sense, however as an insurance agent I can tell you that when you get in an accident most people tend to forget everything they learned about what you are supposed to do. Does he have any information at all? A license plate number or anything? Look at it this way, if the other person tries to turn in a claim she'll have to give her information, and the company will investigate. If I were you (depending on what company you have) I'd have your son go file an accident report with the local police and call your insurance company and give them a "heads up". That way he is being proactive about it, and not like your "typical teenager".

I dont drive but i think if i just had my first accident, i would be a little nervous too and possibley not remember to get the information .. but you'd think the girl would have offered to give him the information! silly, i guess the pair of them are. I have been away for a while and just here for a little while tonight but if i could take this oppertunity to ask, why do you and a few others have that doggie for your avatar ? please let me in on the reasoning!! lol thanks.

That's too bad! Am thankful to hear that he's not hurt though! Yes, it's usual protocol for both parties to swap information. One thing I did when my girls were first driving was to keep a big envelope in the glove box marked "in case of an accident". I had 2 sheets of paper, both with the same information and blanks typed in them. Besides a line for name and address and phone #, there was also a line to put their cars license number, their insurance company, etc, etc. I also had a card from my insurance agent in there so that they could pass that on if needed. Even if you're NOT a kid, being even in a little fender bender can be enough to make you forget what info you need. It's one of those things where you hope to heck they will never need it, but if they do they know exactly what information must be exchanged and all. Another thing I told them was to write down (before they left the scene) a description of make and color of car, and have my kid write down the car's license number. One reason for that is because not all people are honest, and some might even write down the wrong car license plate (fraudulently), or heaven forbid that car was stolen and they hit yours. At least that way if somebody's lying to them the cops at least have a clue what to look for so that matters can be taken care of. Personally, unless it's a minor ding, I told them to call the police and NOT to leave the scene, once you've left the scene there is no visible proof of what happened, no record for the insurance company (if they claim they got whiplash). Then too if they leave, they are leaving the scene of an accident. I found out the hard way that when people beg to not have the police called, or involved, it might be because they are not carrying insurance, don't have a driver's license, or they're just going to skip. By calling the police at least it gives some leverage if it's needed.

I'm sorry to hear that your son had a wreck. both parties should have exchanged information. Our car was hit by someone last weekend and it made our car hit another car. everyone had to submit their insurance information. We are just now getting the police report so we can get our car fixed soon.

Your step son was probably shaken up from the accident and did even think/remember what to do in the case of an accident. My insurance company gave us little cars that has a check list on what to do. Maybe you should have something like that in the glove box, just in case there is a next time. Plus he just got his driver's license so I'm sure he was anxious and nervious. So, for us more mature people, sure it's common sense, but that usually goes out the window during an accident. He's probably pretty embrassed that he has already had an accident. I am surprised that your husband doesn't want to be proactive about it. Good luck with it all!

Yes I do believe both people involved in an accidenthave to exchange their insurance informations.I wonder why she was not smart enought to give her information to your stepson?Could be she felt she was more to blame some way? Was your son at fault or the girl? was he supposedly a bit smitten by her?

You'd think ! Who's fault was it ?

I think that it is common sense, but when you are a young kid who has just gotten their license and you get in an accident I can kinda see why it slipped his mind. If she files a claim against him then he should still be able to get his info though right?

I'm sorry but your "He's not the brightest bulb in the chandelier" comment made me smile as I hadn't heard it before. I guess the accident just loosened the bulb a bit! Thankfully he is ok and I'd agree with others that the accident probably shook him up and put all his lights out (sorry gotta stop this). Whether I'd report it would probably depend on a) who was to blame and b) whether the woman is likely to make a claim. Is he by law required to report it and would it be likely to affect his insurance in the future if he admits it?

Hey there I kind of now how he would feel as when I was 9 and a half which I now am 19 and my family was in a car accident when we happened to roll between 8 and 10 times before we hit the power pole I am very grateful that the rescue helicopter come when it did other wise my father would not be hear today I have been in a few other car accidents but do not like getting in cars so much now after that exspecially on windy days and what makes it worse is one of my sisters had only had her learners licence for a week and they reackoned that even the most experienced driver would of not been able to cope as it was that windy as the cops and all said but the sad think is she blames her self still to this day a.

you definitely need to get the matter reported - just because she did not GIVE insurance information, does not mean that she doesn't HAVE it. other people here mentioned this in previous responses - but this is so important in this sue-happy world...get it on paper as soon as possible -

I work with car accidents alot, and I always suggest getting the Police involved regardless. And when it comes to kids, they just aren't experienced enough to know the procedures. So yes it is normal for everyone to exchange information, but you would be surprised at the adults that don't do this as well.

I agree. It is common sense that both parties exchange insurance information in situations like this. But it would be better if you wait it out and see if the young lady would file a claim. Look on the bright side. At least no one got hurt. :)