What to Do After an Auto Accident
An auto accident can be stressful and confusing, even when the damage seems minor. Knowing what to do in the moments and days afterward can help protect your health, your rights, and your vehicle.
Here’s a simple guide to follow if you’re involved in an accident.
1. Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
Your first priority is safety. Check on yourself and your passengers, and see if anyone else involved needs medical attention.
If there are injuries or an immediate danger, call 911. Even if an injury seems minor, consider getting checked by a medical professional. Some injuries may not be obvious right away.
If it is safe to do so, move your vehicle out of traffic to a safe location. Turn on your hazard lights and remain aware of surrounding traffic.
2. Contact the Police
Depending on the circumstances and where the accident occurred, you may need to report the accident to the police. This can be especially important when there are injuries, significant property damage, or disagreement between the drivers about what happened.
A police report provides an official record of the accident and may be helpful when dealing with your insurance claim.
When speaking with the police or other drivers, stick to the facts. Avoid arguing about who was at fault at the scene.
3. Document the Accident
If you are able to do so safely, take photos of the accident scene. Photograph the damage to all vehicles involved, the surrounding area, road conditions, traffic signs, and anything else that may help explain what happened.
Exchange information with the other driver, including:
Name and contact information
Insurance company and policy information
Driver's license information
License plate number
Vehicle make, model and year
If there were witnesses, ask for their names and contact information as well. It can also be helpful to write down the date, time, location, weather conditions, and your recollection of what happened while the details are still fresh.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company as soon as reasonably possible after the accident, even if you’re not sure who was responsible.
Your insurance company can explain the claims process, help you understand what information is needed, and let you know what steps to take next.
When reporting the accident, provide accurate information and stick to what you know. Your insurance company will investigate the circumstances and determine how the claim should be handled under your policy.
5. Keep Track of Everything
Keep your accident-related information in one place. This can include the police report, photographs, repair estimates, medical bills, claim numbers, and correspondence with your insurance company or another driver’s insurer.
Keeping good records can make the claims process easier and help you find important information when you need it.
6. Get Your Vehicle Repaired
Once the claim process is underway, you’ll need to decide where to have your vehicle repaired.
Your insurance company can explain the repair process and any requirements that apply to your policy. You may also have the option to choose a repair shop, depending on your circumstances and applicable state requirements.
Before authorizing repairs, make sure you understand your deductible and what your insurance policy covers. Your agent is a great resource for this!
Remember, You Don’t Have to Handle It Alone
Accidents are never convenient, but knowing what to do can make the situation a little less overwhelming. Focus first on everyone’s safety, document what happened, notify your insurance company, and keep track of the information related to your claim.
Your insurance agent can also be a resource when you have questions about your coverage or the claims process.
Stay safe, take care of yourself, and know that help is just a phone call away.