Car accidents happen

(Madison, Wis.) —You can take all the necessary precautions, but sometimes accidents happen, especially in the bitter cold and icy roads that are gripping much of the nation. Here are some tips from American Family Insurance for what to do immediately after an auto collision.

Stay safe

Take a few deep breaths and, if your vehicle is drivable, move to the shoulder or a parking lot. If your car isn't drivable, stay in the vehicle, turn on your hazard lights and call the police to get help and report the accident.

Get information

After calling the police to report the accident, exchange information with the other driver if you're in a safe location and out of traffic. Here's the information you'll need later: driver's license number, vehicle registration, license plate state and number, accident report number (if available) and insurance information. Write down any details of the accident you remember.

Make the call

If your vehicle isn't drivable, call a tow truck. After you're in a safe location, report the accident to your insurance company so the claim process can begin.

More tips on what to do after a car accident, and information that may be helpful during the claim process, are available on amfam.com.

About American Family Insurance
Madison, Wis.– based American Family Insurance is the nation's third-largest mutual property/casualty insurance company and ranks 373rd on the Fortune 500 list. The company sells American Family-brand products, including auto, homeowners, life, business and farm/ranch insurance, through its exclusive agents in 19 states. American Family affiliates (The General, Homesite and AssureStart) also provide options for consumers who want to manage their insurance matters directly over the Internet or by phone. Web: www.amfam.com; Facebook: www.facebook.com/amfam; Twitter: www.twitter.com/amfam. Google+ plus.google.com/+amfam/

News media contact:
Sandra Spann
Media Relations
(608) 242-4100, ext. 32881
sspann@amfam.com