What to Do After a Car Accident
The last thing any driver wants is to be in an accident, whether it’s your fault or not. But knowing ahead of time what to do in these circumstances can make everything go a bit smoother. Here are a few important things to keep in mind if you find yourself in a collision.
Remain Calm
Getting into an accident is a very stressful situation, but the key is not to panic! Staying calm will help you think straight and avoid causing unnecessary conflict with other drivers. Also, make sure to never leave the scene of the accident. Not only is this a crime, but it makes you look very guilty.
Get to Safety
If the damage from the accident is relatively small, it’s recommended you safely move the vehicles off the road. If not, activate your hazard lights and set up warning triangles if you have them. As long as no one is seriously injured, ensure everyone gets off the road and away from traffic. If someone is seriously injured, do not move them unless they’re in immediate danger where they are.
Call the Police
Whether the collision is big or small, calling the police is important. In most areas, you can simply call 911. When the officers arrive tell them exactly what happened and follow their instructions. They will be filling out an accident report and documenting the scene. For whatever reason, if the police can’t make it, go to the closest police station and complete a report yourself. When filing a claim with your insurer, they will likely ask for a copy of this police report.
Exchange Info
After ensuring you and your passengers are uninjured, exchange information with the other driver. Here’s the most important information you should be getting:
Full name and contact information
Insurance company and policy number
Driver's license and license plate number
Type, color and model of vehicle
Location of accident
We recommend you avoid discussing who’s at fault with the other driver. Once your claim is filed with your insurer, the adjuster will determine this based on an inspection, the info provided, the police report, and other evidence from the scene.
Document
Documentation is another important step in order to protect yourself. It’s important to take notes as soon as possible so you don’t forget any important details later. Get the name and badge numbers of all responding officers and write down how to get the police report. If there are any witnesses, write their names and contact information. Use a camera to take pictures of the vehicles, the scene, and any injuries.
We hope you never find yourself in an accident, but if you do, keeping these important steps in mind will help. If you have any questions or would like to find out more, give us a call and we’d be happy to assist!
