Accidents are always stressful events, no matter how serious the results. It can be difficult to process what exactly happened during an accident and what to do when the dust has settled. Below is an immediate action guideline that could help.
- The most important thing you can do after an accident is try to stay calm. Panic can make a bad situation worse.
- If anyone is seriously hurt, call 911 immediately. This is a time when seconds matter.
- Even if no one is injured, call the police – especially if there is significant damage to the vehicles.
- If no one is injured, consider moving all cars involved to a safe area away from traffic.
- If the cars cannot be moved, turn on your hazard lights. If available, use marking flares, cones or a reflective triangle.
- Exchange information with the other driver, including their name, phone number, address, insurance company, policy number, driver’s license number and license plate number.
- Write down the year, make, model and VIN number of the other vehicle involved in the accident, and details of the crash including your speed and direction. This is information the insurance company will want to know.
- Taking pictures of the accident site and damaged vehicles involved can also be helpful.
- If a police officer is on the scene, he will write up an official accident report for you. If not, you’ll need to file an accident report on your own. Make sure you file the report within a few days after the accident, as some states have limits to how long you can wait before reporting an accident. You can find the form at the Department of Motor Vehicles website.
- Finally, you will need to file the insurance claim. The sooner you do this, the faster the whole process will be over.