What to Do After a Car Accident: 5 Important Steps

Driving is not only a privilege but also a way of life for most Americans, with the average US driver logging nearly 14,000 miles a year, according to the US Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration. And with the freedom of the highway comes the responsibility of driving safely—and being prepared for emergencies, including vehicle collisions.

Knowing what to do after an accident can make a critical difference when it comes to ensuring everyone’s safety and simplifying the insurance claims process. Here’s what to do if you are involved in a car accident.

Quick Overview List

·  Remain calm and check for injuries

·  Contact the police

·  Document the damage of all vehicles

·  Exchange information with the involved parties

·  Notify your insurance carrier promptly

·  Call for roadside assistance or a tow truck if needed — AAA members can use their roadside assistance benefits for towing services

1. Remain calm, and check for injuries

If anyone suffered a serious injury, call 9-1-1 immediately. If the collision is minor, move your vehicle from the roadway to prevent other accidents.

2. Contact the police

Wait for law enforcement to arrive before discussing the collision. Once the police arrive, explain what you know about the incident, and get the officer’s name, police department and badge number as well as a copy of the police report, if available.

3. Document the damage of all vehicles

Police may not respond if there are no injuries or serious damage, so it’s important to take lots of photos and notes. These will aid you if you file an accident report at the police station as well as when filing insurance claims.

4. Exchange information with the involved parties

Before leaving the scene, get the other driver’s name, address, phone number, insurance provider, policy number, driver’s license number, license plate number, and vehicle make and model. Also, ask for the names and phone numbers of witnesses.

5. Notify your insurance carrier pronto

Inform your carrier right away to help the claims process go smoothly. Additionally, your insurance representative can watch for any false claims made against you. 

• What to Do After a Rental Car Accident

If you are involved in an accident while driving a rental car, remain calm and check for injuries first. Call 9-1-1 if anyone needs medical attention, and move the vehicle to a safe location if possible. Exchange information with the other driver, document the damage with photos and notes, and gather witness information. Then, contact the rental car company right away to report the accident and follow their instructions. You should also notify your insurance carrier promptly to help simplify the claims process.

Other Tips:

• What to Do if the Other Driver Leaves the Scene

If the other driver leaves the scene, try to remember as many details as possible about the vehicle, including the make, model, color, or license plate number. Call the police immediately and file a report, since documentation is especially important in hit-and-run accidents. Take photos of the damage, debris, and surrounding area, and ask witnesses for contact information if they saw what happened. Notify your insurance carrier as soon as possible to begin the claims process.

• What to Do If the Other Driver Is Uninsured

If the other driver does not have insurance, stay calm and follow the same steps you would after any collision. Check for injuries, contact the police, exchange information, and document the damage thoroughly with photos and notes. Even if the driver is uninsured, gather their contact and vehicle information before leaving the scene. Then, contact your insurance carrier promptly to review your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage and discuss next steps.

• When to Contact an Attorney

While many accidents can be resolved through the insurance claims process, some situations may require legal guidance. Consider contacting an attorney if the accident involved serious injuries, significant vehicle damage, disputed fault, or an uninsured or hit-and-run driver. An attorney may also help if your claim is delayed, denied, or if a settlement offer does not fully cover your expenses. Knowing your options can help make a stressful situation easier to navigate.

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Knowing what to do before an accident happens can make a big difference in the outcome. Safety is always the priority, and being prepared can make a distressing situation less stressful. Keep this accident checklist in your glove compartment for quick, easy reference.