4. A picture is worth a thousand words
Keep an inexpensive disposable camera in the glove compartment so you can capture the pictorial details of the accident. Even a cell phone that takes pictures can help document the accident for future reference.
5. Assess whether or not you need to call the police
Naturally, if there are any injuries the accident should be reported to the police. If the damage is under $1,000, you aren't required to report the damage, but it really doesn't take much to rack up a thousand dollars worth of damage. If in doubt, report it.
Sometimes there is dispute about the circumstances of the accident, or the other driver isn't able to provide the necessary documentation. Inability to provide documentation could suggest that the driver doesn't own the vehicle, or that it has been stolen.
Again, if in doubt, call the police.
