A Checklist of Information to Exchange with the Other Driver

You’re standing on the side of a Tacoma road after a car accident. Once you’ve made sure everyone is safe and you’ve called 911, you have to complete a crucial task: exchanging information with the other driver. This interaction can be tense and awkward, and in the confusion, it’s easy to forget to ask for a key piece of information.

Getting a complete and accurate set of details from the other driver is the foundation of your insurance claim. This information allows the insurance companies to communicate and determine who is responsible for the damages.

To make this process as simple and stress-free as possible, use this guide as your script and checklist. Stay calm, be polite, and methodically work your way through the list.

Useful Information for You: In a Nutshell

• Use Your Phone’s Camera: The easiest and most accurate way to collect information is to politely ask the other driver if you can take a clear photo of their driver’s license and insurance card.
• Get Driver, Insurance, and Vehicle Info: You need three categories of information: who the driver is, what insurance they have, and details about the car they were driving.
• Provide Your Information: You have a legal duty to provide the same information to the other driver.
• Stick to the Facts: Do not discuss fault, apologize, or get into an argument. The exchange should be brief, polite, and factual.
• If They Refuse, Wait for the Police: If the other driver is uncooperative, do not argue. Wait for the police to arrive and inform the officer.

The Checklist: What to Get from the Other Driver

Have the notes app on your phone open, but your camera is your best tool. Ask, “To make sure I get everything right, would it be okay if I take a quick photo of your license and insurance card?”

☐ Driver’s Information:

• Full Name: Exactly as it appears on their driver’s license.
• Current Address: Where they currently live.
• Phone Number: A number where they can be reached.
• Driver’s License Number: The state and number on their license.

☐ Insurance Information:

• Insurance Company Name: (e.g., Geico, Progressive, PEMCO)
• Policy Number: The full and correct policy number.
• Insurance Company Phone Number: The claims hotline number, usually listed on the card.

☐ Vehicle Information:

• Make, Model, and Color of the Vehicle: (e.g., White Ford F-150)
• License Plate Number: Take a separate photo of the license plate itself.
• Registered Owner’s Name: If the driver is not the owner of the car, ask for the owner’s name and address, which should be on the vehicle’s registration.

☐ Other Key Details:

• Police Officer’s Name and Badge Number: Get this from the responding officer.
• Police Report Number: The officer will give you this crucial number.
• Witness Contact Information: If there are any witnesses, get their full name and phone number.

The Checklist: What You Must Provide

Remember, this is a two-way street. You are legally required to provide your information as well. Have your license and insurance card ready.

• Your Full Name, Address, and Phone Number
• Your Insurance Company and Policy Number

The “Do Not Discuss” List

What you don’t say is just as important as the information you collect.

• Do Not Discuss Fault: Do not apologize or blame. Simply collect the facts.
• Do Not Discuss Injuries: Do not say “I’m okay” or “I’m fine.” State that you will be seeing a doctor.
• Do Not Discuss Policy Limits: There is no reason to discuss how much insurance coverage you have.

By methodically following this checklist, you can ensure you walk away from the accident scene with all the necessary information to file a complete and accurate claim, protecting your rights from the very start.

Once you have this information, the next step is to put it to use. If you need help navigating the claims process after an accident in the Tacoma area, search the Car Accident Lawyer Directory Tacoma. Compare profiles and read real client reviews to find a trusted local attorney who can take the information you’ve gathered and build a powerful case.

References

• Revised Code of Washington (RCW 46.52.020) – Duty in case of personal injury or death or damage to attended vehicle or other property:

  The official state law that legally requires drivers involved in a collision to stop and exchange information, including their name, address, insurance information, and license number.

  https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.52.020

• Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) – What to do if you have an accident:

  Official guidance for consumers that outlines the proper steps for documenting an accident, including the information that needs to be exchanged.

  https://www.insurance.wa.gov/what-do-if-you-have-accident-and-need-file-claim