What to Do in Case of Accident or Breakdown

In Case of Breakdown

1. Remove vehicle from roadway.
2. Assess your situation.
3. Repair the vehicle, have it repaired, or have it towed for repair.
4. Call Physical Plant Office (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday) for instructions: (660) 785-4200.
5. After office hours, contact the Department of Public Safety: Phone: (660) 785-4176 or (800) 773-5435 or FAX: (660) 785-7482

If an Accident Occurs

DO NOT:

1. Admit liability for the accident.
   • Your emotions at the time of the accident may influence your judgment. Responsibility for the accident can be better determined at a later date.
2. Promise any settlement by the University.
3. Leave the scene of the accident -- doing so is a criminal offense.

DO:

1. STOP. Set up warning for traffic from both directions or move vehicle to a safe location close to the scene.
2. Get medical aid if needed.
3. Report to police.
4. Fill out and exchange information. (Liability insurance by the State of Missouri).

Call an Officer

• Notify local police, county sheriff or nearest highway patrol prior to leaving the scene of the accident.
• Even where there is no injury or serious property damage, it is advisable to request that a report be made. An official report may greatly assist you later if any claim for liability is made.

Statements and Comments

• Be cooperative and courteous with police officers and with other vehicle driver.
• Do not talk unnecessarily about the accident. Try to make only statements of fact and avoid assumptions or conclusions.

Record Information Immediately

• From The Other Driver:
  • Name, address, telephone number
  • Driver's license number
  • Insurance company
• From the Other Vehicle:
  • Registration number (license plate number)
• From Witnesses (if no police report or investigation can be made)
  • Names and addresses of witnesses (both eye-witnesses and others who might have information about any of the circumstances of the accident.)

Pay Nothing

• Make no immediate payment of any kind to the other party. Do not promise that the University will make a payment.

Liability Coverage

University vehicles are insured with liability coverage by the State of Missouri when driver is an employee of Truman State University and if vehicle is being used for University business.

Notify Proper Offices

Notify Public Safety as soon as possible. Call (660) 785-4176 or (800)-773-5935. File a written report, including complete passenger list, with Public Safety upon completion of the trip.