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Alabama driving lesson · The Driver

If you have a crash

A 3-minute lesson from the Alabama course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

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Read time
3 minutes
Course unit
The Driver
Checkpoint questions
3
Source pages
39, 40

If you're involved in a crash of any kind, the law requires you to stop, help and share information. Some crashes must also be reported to the police right away and to ALEA in writing.

At the scene:

  • Stop at once and aid any injured persons
  • Call for medical assistance if necessary
  • Warn other traffic with whatever is available (flags, flares, etc.)
  • Keep the injured lying or sitting down until medical aid arrives
  • Apply first aid, make them comfortable and treat for shock
Handbook p. 39 ↗

Know the rule

Avoid moving injured people unless absolutely necessary to get them away from fire or other dangers. Remember a layman can give "too much first aid".

Handbook p. 39 ↗

Know the rule

You must STOP whenever you're involved in any crash. Give your name, address and registration number, and show your license to others involved.

Handbook p. 39 ↗

Know the rule

Report any injury or fatal crash by the quickest means: to local police inside a municipality, or to the State Troopers on a state highway.

Handbook p. 40 ↗
$500

Damage to any vehicle or property that can make a written SR-31 report required

Handbook p. 40 ↗

Know the rule

With an injury, a death or $500+ damage, the driver must send Form SR-31 within 30 days if the at-fault party was uninsured. If both parties were insured, neither submits it.

Handbook p. 40 ↗

When involved in a crash:

  • Get the names and addresses of the people involved and any witnesses
  • If asked, give your liability insurance company's name and your local agent; if you can't, do so later
  • Hit an unattended vehicle? Notify police, try to find the owner, or leave a note with your name and address
  • Damaged other property? Notify the property owner
Handbook p. 40 ↗

Know the rule

If you witness a crash and call for help, give the exact location, whether the road is blocked, and the probable damage and injuries.

Handbook p. 40 ↗

Put it into practice

You back into a parked, empty car and dent the fender. You can't leave without acting. Notify the police, try to find the owner, or leave a written note in a conspicuous place on the car with your name and address.

Check your understanding

Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.

What must you do first if you're involved in a traffic crash?
  1. Leave the scene and call later
  2. Wait for a tow truck before doing anything
  3. Drive to the nearest police station
  4. Stop at once and aid any injured persons

Answer: Stop at once and aid any injured persons

The handbook requires you to stop at once and aid any injured persons after a crash.

Handbook p. 39 ↗
When is a written SR-31 crash report required to be filed within 30 days?
  1. When damage is $500 or more and the at-fault driver was uninsured
  2. For every crash, regardless of damage
  3. Only for crashes involving a fatality
  4. Only for crashes on interstate highways

Answer: When damage is $500 or more and the at-fault driver was uninsured

An SR-31 must be filed within 30 days for injury, fatality, or $500+ property damage crashes if the at-fault party was uninsured.

Handbook p. 40 ↗
If both parties in a crash were insured at the time, is an SR-31 form required?
  1. Only the at-fault driver must file it
  2. No, neither party has to submit it
  3. Yes, both must file it
  4. Only if damage exceeds $5,000

Answer: No, neither party has to submit it

If both parties were insured at the time of the crash, neither has to submit the SR-31 form.

Handbook p. 40 ↗
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