Accidental Survival Guide

• Take a breath. Try to relax (we know it's hard). Then check to make sure you're all right. No injuries? Great. Now make sure no one else in your vehicle or the other vehicle is injured.
• If there has been an injury, call 911 for help. Don't leave the scene of an accident until all matters have been taken care of. Move your vehicle only if its position puts you in danger or you are instructed to move it by a police officer.
• Give only the necessary and requested information to police and other parties involved in the accident. Do not spontaneously discuss your personal condition, mental frame of mind, or anything unrelated to the accident. This will help guard against post-accident legal action.
• If you have OnStar and your subscription is activated then trust an OnStar Advisor to help guide you through the minutes after an accident. In the event that your air bags deploy, your vehicle automatically sends a signal to OnStar and an Advisor will attempt to contact you to see if you need assistance. OnStar can also contact a nearby emergency service provider with your location and request help. Learn more about OnStar services (click here).
• If you need roadside assistance, phone GM Roadside Assistance. You'll find the number in your owner's manual.
• If your vehicle cannot be driven, find out where the towing service will be taking it. Get a card from the tow truck operator or write down the driver's name and the service's name and phone number.
• Remove any valuables from your vehicle before it's towed away. Make sure this includes your insurance information and registration if you keep these items in your vehicle.
• Gather the important information you'll need from the other driver. Use the handy form located in the attached Collision Survival Guide (0.8 MB) (click here).
• If it's possible, call your insurance company from the scene of the accident. They'll walk you through the information they'll need. If they ask for a police report, don't worry. Just phone or go to the police department's headquarters the next day and you can get a copy of the report for a nominal fee. In some states with "no fault" insurance laws, a report may not be necessary. This is especially true if there are no injuries and both vehicles are drivable.
• Choose a collision repair facility for service to your vehicle.
• Once you have an estimate, read it carefully and make sure you understand what work will be performed on your vehicle. If you have a question, don't be afraid to ask for an explanation. Reputable shops welcome this opportunity.