Had a Car Accident? Do These 5 Things First
Most of us don’t even want to think about getting into an automobile accident, let alone have one. Knowing what to do if you are involved in a collision, however, can go a long way to improving the outcome of the incident. Make sure you’re prepared, stay calm and get the help you need by doing the following five things first after any accident.
Make Sure You’re Prepared BEFORE You Get In An Accident
Nowhere is that old adage about an ounce of prevention more applicable than when it comes to vehicle ownership. With serious traffic incidents ticking up, it’s critical that you make sure your vehicle is properly maintained, you’re aware of all the rules of the road, and you have the right amount of auto insurance coverage to suit your needs before you even get behind the wheel.
Additionally, be sure to keep essential documents and supplies in your car at all times, including:
Vehicle registration (but NOT your title)
Insurance policy and contact information
Important medical and/or allergy information for first responders
Paper and a pen
Flares, cones and other emergency equipment
With luck and safe driving, you can avoid many accidents, but in the event that you are in a collision, the following four steps can help get you back on the road quickly and safely.
Keep Calm and Assess The Situation
It’s undeniably challenging to keep your wits about you when you’ve been in an accident. Take a deep breath and assess your injuries and – if you’re able to – those of your passengers and anyone in the other car or cars. Resist the urge to talk about what just happened, especially assigning or admitting fault, with the other driver(s). If you collided with an unattended car, do not leave the scene until you’ve properly documented it and left a note with your contact information.
Get to Safety and Call for Help
If you’re able to do so, move your vehicle into a safe, well-lit area off the road. Be especially cautious in the unlikely event that the collision appears to be a deliberate act of road rage or attempted robbery. Make sure to secure any children, vulnerable adults or pets – do not leave anyone locked in a hot car or one that is still in the path of traffic.
Dial 911 if anyone is even mildly injured or if the vehicles involved are visibly damaged. (Some states require you to call the police in the event of any accident.) If the collision is severe, do not attempt to remove children from their carseats until they can be evaluated by a first responder.
Collect Information and Document the Scene
Once everyone is assessed and determined to be safe, collect as much information as you can about the accident and the parties involved. If the other drivers are cooperative, gather all their contact information, including:
Names and phone numbers of all drivers, passengers and witnesses
License, registration and insurance information of drivers
Makes and models of every vehicle involved
Next, inspect your vehicle and the others. If possible, take photos of any damage and of the scene. Take images from as many angles as you can, including other objects for scale. Note the location, time of day and weather when the incident occurred, in addition to any other factors that might help the police or your insurer determine what happened.
Finally, if police come to the scene, make sure you note the names and badge numbers of the responding officers, and take a photo of the crash report.
Call Your Insurer
It’s usually a good idea to notify your insurance company if you’re in an accident, regardless of who’s responsible. If you are obviously not at fault (e.g. someone rear-ends you), the claim should be reported to the responsible party’s insurance carrier. If the incident is smaller and you are not sure if it’s going to result in a claim, be sure to keep as many records as possible. That way if you want to report later, you may do so.
Although in some states you’re only required to contact your own carrier if you are at fault in the accident, your insurer can help you determine how best to protect yourself from liability and properly cover any medical expenses or property repairs you might require because of the accident. If another driver attempts to prevent you from contacting the police or your insurance company by offering you cash on the spot, resist the temptation. Needed expenses could far exceed the cash payout, and you’ll have no recourse if you’ve circumvented the formal claims process.
Lastly, if you decide to pursue a claim, get the process started as quickly as you’re able to, before details are forgotten or the involved parties become harder to contact. Many insurers even have online claims portals that allow you to initiate a claim after hours or on weekends. Once you open the claims process, your agent can walk you through what happens next, including what documents you’ll need, how to prepare for an insurance investigation, and how to finalize the claim.
Will You Be Prepared The Next Time You Drive?
While a catastrophic car accident is not inevitable, even minor collisions can create major hassles if you don’t have proper coverage. In addition to insuring your own vehicle, carrying uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can help make sure you get the help you need regardless of the insurance status of the other party – an unfortunately common enough situation. Be certain that you’re prepared to drive safely and get where you need to go by securing adequate auto insurance, being aware of emergency supplies and protocols, and knowing what to do if you are involved in a collision, before it ever happens.
Not sure what automobile or other personal insurance coverage makes sense for you and your family? We can help. Get in touch to learn what coverage you need for your next drive.