Getting into a car accident can be shocking and overwhelming. Even the most careful drivers can find themselves in an accident, which is why it’s important to be prepared for the unexpected. Knowing what to do in the aftermath of a car accident can help you navigate safety and auto insurance concerns with ease. Let’s explore some valuable steps you can take following an accident including how to gather necessary information and what to anticipate in the claims process.
Immediate steps to take
After an accident, you may feel immediately shaken up and scared. Though you might have a strong initial reaction, it’s crucial to stay as calm as possible. Take a few deep breaths to collect your thoughts. Your safety and the safety of your passengers should be a top priority, and remaining calm under stress can help you tackle the situation better.
Once the initial impact is over, check yourself for injures and ask others, including your passengers, if they believe they are hurt. If anyone appears or says they are injured, call for medical help immediately.
If you’re not in a safe spot and you can move your vehicle safely, move it out of the way of traffic. This can help avoid further damages and place you and your passengers in a safer position.
After you’ve moved your vehicle off the road or highway, the next step is dialing 911. In some states, it’s required to report an accident to the authorities, especially if there are injuries or significant damage. Dialing 911 to report an accident is also important if medical assistance needs to be requested.
Once you call for help, you can turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers on the road. This can make your vehicle more visible and help prevent additional collisions. Putting on your hazard lights can also help medical and roadside assistance find your vehicle quickly and efficiently.
Gathering information
After an accident, if you are safely able, gather important details and info about the scene, vehicles and drivers. Some steps you can take are:
- Exchange information: Swapping info with the other driver or drivers involved in the accident is important for filing an insurance claim. Collect names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance details, vehicle make, model, color, and license plate numbers to help cover your bases.
- Document the scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, any visible injuries, and relevant road conditions or signage. These details can be invaluable for insurance adjusters when investigating a claim.
- Get witness information: If there are witnesses, you may want to get their contact information and ask if they would be willing to provide a statement. You can also document the names and badge numbers of any responding law enforcement officers, which may be information an insurance adjuster needs.
Reporting the accident
Report the accident to your insurance company immediately and provide the information you gathered. An insurance adjuster will investigate the loss and determine what damages may be covered based on the applicable policy language and determination of fault. The adjuster may want details you collected from the accident and any photos you took.
If you file a police report, you can request a copy for your records. Filing a police report may be necessary for your insurance claim and prove useful for any legal proceedings.
Post-accident actions
It’s important to prioritize your health following an accident. If you find yourself not feeling well the next day, consider making an appointment with your primary care physician.
After you receive accident-specific documents like a police report, keep them organized. Put the corresponding documents in one place so you can easily access them for your insurance adjuster. This can include medical reports, repair estimates, and communication with your insurance company.
Understanding your coverage and the claims process
An essential part of dealing with insurance after an accident is reviewing your policy. Taking the time to review your coverage can help you understand what losses and damages may be covered and what’s required for filing a claim. Knowing your policy can aid you in navigating the auto insurance claims process and reduce stress.
If your vehicle needs repairs, you’ll likely want to get an estimate for the damage. You can get an estimate from most auto repair or body shops. Your insurance company may have a list of preferred shops, which you can choose to use to help streamline the process.
After you file a claim, your insurance company will assign an adjuster to investigate the loss which would include determining who is at fault, assessing damages caused by the accident and identifying applicable policy coverages. During the claim process, you may be asked to provide additional information to help in the investigation.
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FAQs
What to do after an accident?
The first step is to not admit fault. Who’s at fault is something to be determined by the claim adjusters after a proper investigation. Notify your insurance company and provide them with any information you collected including photographs, witness and driver names, and police report numbers.
If you are not at fault for the accident, your policy may provide some benefits depending on the coverage you selected. Otherwise, you may need to pursue an action against the other driver and/or their insurance company. If you are at fault, you will want to make sure to notify your insurance company as soon as possible as you may become responsible for the other party’s damages should they elect to file a claim against you.
What if the driver is uninsured?
If the other driver is uninsured, your own insurance may cover your damages, depending on the coverages you selected. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, your policy may cover certain medical expenses or damage to your vehicle if the other driver is underinsured or without coverage. Regardless, you’ll want to report the incident to your insurance company as soon as you can.
Do I need to report the accident if damage is minimal?
If damage is minimal, you may choose not to involve the police or file a claim. However, you still might want to consider reporting the accident to the police and your insurance company. Even if the damage seems small, a report could help you deal with potential disputes later or pay for damages that may be pricier than expected.
Will my rates increase after I’m involved in an accident?
It’s possible that your insurance rates could increase after an accident, especially if you are found at fault. However, every insurance company has different policies regarding rate increases, so you may want to check in with your insurance company. If you are concerned about a rate increase after an accident or want a free, personalized quote, you can call Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc. at 1-855-478-3705.