The California Highway Patrol is reminding Santa Clarita residents of what is required of them by law if they are involved in a traffic collision.
No matter how severe the crash may be, both parties should pull to the right shoulder of the road and have passengers stay in the vehicles to ensure their safety.
“There’s no need to have more people standing outside on the shoulder,” according to a Facebook post by CHP Newhall. “They’re safer inside with the seatbelts still fastened.”
Residents can call local law enforcement to make a report, but as long as nobody was injured, exchanging information is sufficient in most cases.
Drivers must exchange driver’s license information (a driver’s license number and name will work), vehicle registration information (license plate number and the registered owner’s name) and insurance information (company and policy number). The drivers do not need to exchange telephone numbers.
Motorists are encouraged to take pictures of the damage to both vehicles and take notes on the location where it happened.
If a vehicle is too damaged to drive away safely, a tow truck can be called. Many insurance companies cover the cost, but drivers should always check with their insurance company to be sure that their policy includes that coverage.
Drivers should not argue about what occurred. Figuring out fault is the insurance companies’ task.
Once drivers are able, they should call their insurance company and tell them what happened. If they stopped on the shoulder and exchanged information with the other driver, the insurance company will contact the other insurance company and sort things out.
“At any time,” the CHP Newhall facebook post advised, “if you’re uncertain of what to do or just feel like you need help, don’t hesitate to call for local law enforcement.”
The agency does ask that motorists save 9-1-1 calls for emergencies only, when people are hurt or the roadway is blocked.
For something like a minor collision, motorists are encouraged to call the public number for the local law enforcement agency where the collision occurred.
The phone number for the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station is (661) 255-1121 and the phone number for the CHP Newhall office is (661) 294-5540.
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1 Comment
I was involved in a minor traffic accident after 40 years of driving with a clean record. The guy came into my lane (right) and hit my car on the left quarter panel with the right side of his bumper, he misgauged the distance. We exchanged information, he admitted fault then I get a call from my insurance company saying he claims I came into his lane and hit him even though he came into my lane to make a right turn. I told his insurance company that he was a liar but it was a case of he said/she said so I had to pay to fix my car. If this ever happens again I’m calling law enforcement to get a police report or better yet, video the admission of fault with my phone. Live and learn.