What to Do When You Are Involved in a Car Accident
Birds eye view of a two car collision
You’ve been involved in a collision. It’s overwhelming, things happen quickly and it can be hard to know what to do in the moment. Fortunately, we have some insight as there are certain steps you may want to take in order to help make sure everyone is safe, to follow the law and to get the insurance claim process started. Here is our step-by-step guide on what to do after you’ve been involved in a car accident.
1. Check yourself for injuries: If you’re injured, call 911 or ask someone to call for you. If you’re seriously injured, do not move and wait for emergency personnel.
2. Check on the well-being of your passengers: If you’re not to hurt to move, check on your passengers. If anyone is injured, call 911 for emergency services.
3. Get to safety: If you’re able to move and not injured, move your vehicle to the side of the road or to a location that is safe from traffic or pedestrians. If your vehicle is unsafe to drive and is causing a hazard, pull it as far as possible to the side of the road and leave it where it is to get to safety.
4. Call the police: It is important to call the police, whether the accident is a minor fender-bender or a major collision. If someone is injured, then call 911. Officers that respond will fill out an accident report and, most importantly, they will document the scene. If the police are not able to respond to the scene of the accident, a police report can be filed online with the city or county police department. When you file the claim with your insurer, the claim adjuster may ask for a copy of the police report and that will help you with the claim process.
5. Wait for help: Be sure to turn off your engine if your vehicle is still running, turn on your hazard lights to alert approaching vehicles and, if possible, use road flares from an emergency car kit to warn other vehicles to slow down. Also, beware of bandit tow trucks. These are tow truck drivers you didn’t call who pull over and offer help. This is a known scam and letting them tow your vehicle could result in holding your vehicle until unreasonable fees are paid.
6. Exchange information: After making sure you and everyone is ok and uninjured, exchange contact and information with the other driver if you’ve been involved in a multi-car collision.
It is important to get the following information:
Full name and contact information
Name of insurance company and policy number
Driver’s license and license plate number
Description of vehicle or vehicles involved i.e., type, color, make and model
Location of accident
Protect yourself: It’s important to avoid discussing who was at fault with the other driver. When you file the claim, the adjuster will review the police report provided, any photos shared, review results of the inspection report damage, and statements provided by you and the other parties involved in the accident.
7. Document the accident: In order to protect yourself, document the accident. Identify the officers that responded to the accident, get a copy of the police report, and take pictures of all angles of your vehicle showing damages. Write down the names of all parties involved, including passengers, and of the witnesses that viewed the accident.
8. Notify your insurer and start the claims process: You may want to call your insurance provider while you’re at the scene or report your claim using the insurer’s mobile app. That way, they can tell you exactly what they need in order to process the and explanation of the next steps in the claim process. If your vehicle is damaged, the claim adjuster can arrange it to be towed to a certified body shop.
Lastly, don’t forget to breathe. An accident can be stressful and leave you frazzled, but following these steps will help protect you and your family from unnecessary worries. That way you can focus on working with your insurer to address any injuries and get your vehicle repaired as quickly as possible.
Drive safely out there!