What to Do After an Auto Accident

When an auto accident happens, it can be stressful.  It is easy to forget what to do, and what not to do, after being in an accident.  Here are some steps to take and what not to do after being a car accident.

1.       Move your car to a safe area

If you are not injured seriously and your car is still drivable, move to the shoulder if possible, or pull into a parking lot.  Do not get out of your car while in traffic lanes on city streets for a minor accident, this puts you at a bigger risk of being hit by another vehicle.  If your accident is on the freeway and you are not able to get out of traffic lanes, do not exit your vehicle.  Call 911 or the police for assistance.

2.       Turn on your hazards.

Day or night, always turn on your hazards if you are pulled over to the side of the road or if your car is in lanes and unable to be safely moved out of the way of traffic.  Don’t assume that your hazards being on will mean that people will see you. Use caution when getting out of your vehicle and make sure you stand as far away from traffic as possible when exchanging information.

3.       Check for Injuries

Check to see if anybody in your car is injured and assess yourself for any injuries. If there are injuries, call 911 immediately.  If you can safely check the other party to see if they are injured, do so and call for help if they have injuries.

4.       Notify police

It is always advisable to have a policy report for any accidents for insurance purposes. Call 911 for any major accident, accidents that cannot be cleared from lanes or any injuries.  Don’t call 911 for a minor fender-bender. For minor accidents, call the police non-emergency line instead. 

5.         Exchange Information

Safely away from moving traffic, exchange information with the other driver. You will need their name, address, telephone number, contact information for all passengers and any witnesses plus the location of the accident. You will also need to get the license plate number of the other vehicle, the year, make and model as well as the color and the other driver’s insurance information. If police respond to the scene, make sure to take down their names and badge numbers.  Don’t admit guilt or fault while exchanging information. Do not say anything more than exchanging information.   Take photos of the damage to your car and to their car.

6.       Report the Claim

If you are an employee, driving a company car, you need to immediately report the claim to your supervisor or the company owner. Provide all the information that you have for them to be able to turn the claim into their Business Auto Insurance. 

If this was your personal vehicle, turn the claim in to your auto carrier. Don’t delay turning in a claim