8 Helpful Steps a Driver Can Follow After a Car Accident

Ensure Safety

First and foremost, ensure that you and any passengers are safe. Take a moment to assess the situation. If it is safe to do so, move the vehicle to the side of the road to help avoid further accidents. Otherwise, wait for direction from the authorities.

Call 911

Even if there are no serious injuries, it is important to call 911. Carefully follow any instructions provided by the dispatcher and/or emergency response personnel. If police are dispatched, the police report will be important when filing an insurance claim. If police are not dispatched, be sure to file an incident report with the police department.

Document the Scene

Take photographs of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, any visible damages, license plates, and any road or weather conditions that may have contributed to the accident, so long as it is safe to do so. Get as many angles as possible to paint the picture of what happened. Photos will come in handy if you need to file a claim, and they can also help you recall the events of the accident (note, that some state privacy laws may prohibit photographing individuals without their express permission).

Exchange Information

Collect the following information from the other driver:

Name and contact information
Insurance company and policy number
Driver's license and license plate number
Make, model, and color of their vehicle

Gather Witness Information

If there are any witnesses, get their names and contact information. Their statements can be valuable in supporting your version of events.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you don't feel injured, it can be a good idea to get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide all the information and documentation you have collected so that they can start determining the next steps.

Keep Records

Maintain a file of all documents and communications related to the accident, including the police report, medical bills, repair estimates, and any correspondence with insurance companies.