If you are in a car accident, Consumer Reports recommends these steps to minimize further damage and expenses:

¢ Move your car out of traffic if you can. Turn on your hazard lights, get out of your car and stand at a safe distance from the vehicle.

¢ Check yourself and other passengers for injuries. Do a thorough once-over and get medical attention if needed.

¢ Call the police. It’s a good idea to get the police involved, especially if there is a lot of damage. Get the officer’s name and contact information and an accident report number.

¢ If other drivers are involved, get the following information: name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, license plate number and insurance information. If there are witnesses, get their contact information. Keep a record of anyone with injuries. Don’t argue over who is at fault or admit blame.

¢ Take pictures. If you have a cell-phone camera, this is where it comes in handy. Get pictures of the scene, or draw a diagram illustrating the positions of each car.