What Do You Do When You Have a Traffic Accident?

Snow, snow, and, more snow. That is our life in West Michigan this winter.

After a few mild, light snow winters, we are getting blasted with daily snow all generated by good old Lake Michigan.

It's loving known as LAKE EFFECT!

We are so blessed to have such a great natural resource, but sometimes that wonderful resource turns around and bites us. And boy is it chomping on us now.

With all of the snow comes slick roads. And with tough driving conditions come accidents. Big ones, such as the massive 100+ vehicle pileup Monday on I-196, the Ford Freeway in Ottawa County, to the small fender benders, whether it's on an expressway or a city or county road.

 👇 BELOW: MICHIGAN'S MOST DANGEROUS ROADS IN WINTER! 👇

Do you really know what to do if you do have a traffic accident? Many people don't!

Here are the things you need to do according to the website Engineerfix.com.

1. Make sure everyone is okay, yourself, passengers if there are any, and, if there are any medical conditions, call 911 immediately.

2. If the cars are safe to drive, move them out of traffic so they don't cause another accident. If not, call the police.

3. Exchange all information with the other driver including:

• Full name and contact information
• Driver’s license number
• License plate number
• Insurance company name
• Policy number

4. Take pictures. Use your phone and make a complete record of the accident and location.

5. Call the police and report the accident. Even if it's small, there has to be a record of it. This will help you and your insurance company.

6. Call your insurance company. They need to settle your claim and, even if it's rather minor, you should call them within 24 to 72 hours after the accident.

Following this guideline will seriously help ease the pain of having that accident.