Car accidents are scary, startling and stressful experiences. Given the intense emotions many drivers feel immediately following a collision, it’s not always easy to know what to do next in that moment. In the event that you are involved in an accident on the road, do you know what to do next? Did you know, for instance, that if you leave the scene of an accident, even a fender bender, without calling the police, you actually may be breaking the law?
Understanding what to do if you are involved in an auto accident will help you remain as calm as possible. The situation may be stressful and unpleasant, but knowing what to do after a car accident ahead of time will help you avoid unnecessary time, expenses and liability. Here are eight steps that every driver should take after an accident occurs:
1. Call the police. Regardless of whether you have sustained any injuries or property damage, you or someone with you needs to call the police immediately after the accident occurs to report it.
2. Do not discuss the accident. Only speak to the responding police officer, not to anyone in any other vehicles involved in the crash.
3. Remain polite, even though you may be very upset. It’s not uncommon for people to act more reactive than normal after a car accident. However, even though you may be upset, it’s important to stay calm and quiet. Don’t blame the other driver and if he/she is rude to you, don’t respond. Instead, get back in your car, lock the doors, and wait for the police to arrive.
4. Get the following contact information from all drivers involved in the accident:
- Full name
- Address
- Phone number and email
- Insurance company’s name and phone number if possible
- Insurance policy number
5. Be cooperative and respectful to the police officer completing the accident report. It’s not necessary to speak in great detail about what occurred. In fact, it’s probably better to avoid doing this, as you may not be thinking straight and it will be very difficult to change this report after it has been completed if you think you reported a detail inaccurately in the moment. The insurance companies will also use these reports as evidence, so accuracy is crucial.
6. Take pictures of both vehicles and the scene of the accident. Fortunately, our advanced technology allows you to accomplish this quickly and easily with your cell phone. However, if one or both cars were totaled and you don’t have a camera or cell phone on you, ask the reporting officer where the cars will be towed and go to the lot later to take pictures. Be sure to take photographs of both the inside and outside of the vehicles as pictures can help prove or disprove damage.
7. Call your insurance agent or company as soon as possible to report the accident. It’s important to tell your agent or company the following details:
- How the accident happened
- Time and location of the collision
- Motor vehicles involved in the accident – trucks, cars, bikes, etc.
Be sure to include the make and model of each car involved.
- Contact information for all involved in the accident
- Any injuries sustained in the crash
- Witness contact information
- Police report number and police jurisdiction in which the accident
occurred. Your insurance company will need the police report number
to investigate any claim.
8. See a doctor as soon as possible after the accident. Even if you came out of the collision with just a few bruises, it’s important to document all injuries, regardless of how minor they may be. On the other hand, if you have sustained serious injuries, documenting them, including taking photographs of the injuries, can play a crucial role in any insurance settlement.
Our Agents Are Here for You Before, During and After a Car Accident
Knowing what to do after a car accident can help you remain calm through this complicated, scary process. At Hunkins & Eaton Insurance Agency, we are with you every step of the way. In addition to ensuring that you understand what to do after a car accident, we can also make sure you are protected with auto insurance coverage that will adequately protect you in the event of a collision. Should you be involved in an accident, our agents will guide you through the claims process, helping simplify what can otherwise be a confusing procedure.
For additional information about what to do after a car accident or to get a free quote for auto insurance in Littleton, NH or the surrounding area, please call us today at at 603-444-3975 or visit us online at www.hunkins-eaton.com.
Good article! Not many things more stressful than being in an accident. This information is very helpful for anyone that finds themselves in that situation. I personally like #3 but that may be the most difficult of all the steps.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Keith! We're glad you found it helpful. It's a situation most people don't find themselves in very often, which adds to the stress and uncertainty about what to do next.
Delete