What Should I Do After an Accident? Checklist

This checklist guides you through the steps you should take after an auto accident.

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1. Be Prepared

• Have your car insurance in your glove compartment or within reach.
• Know whom to call for assistance, such as towing company.
• Keep an emergency contact information in your wallet or purse.

Remember, the goal is to stay safe, reduce injuries, and reach settlement of your claim.

2. After the accident

• If you feel pain when you move, stay where you are until help arrive.
• Don’t leave the scene of the accident; however, move away from traffic flow, if possible.
• Call 911 immediately and report the accident. Then, contact your insurance company and the agent will instruct you on what to do.
• Dial for tow through your insurance company, if possible.
• Collect the details of the tow company and location to which your vehicle is towed. Do not sign documents granting tow company permission to repair your vehicle.

3. While at the scene of the accident….

• Do not admit fault.
• Collect the insurance information of the other driver(s); also, if they do not have insurance, get their contact info. Generally the officer would collect these information.
• If you are clearly not at fault, the police officer will most likely not ask for your insurance information, just your contact details.
• Collect witness contact information, if any.

Gatherin gEvidence

If you have a smart phone or camera, take photos to document the scene if it is safe to do so. Include pictures of:

• License plates of involved vehicles.
• Damage to your vehicle.
• Damage to other vehicles.
• Damage to property other than vehicles.
• Objects at the scene, including accident debris, skid marks, fallen branches, etc.
• Street signs or other landmarks to identify the accident location.
• Any contributing factors to the accident, such as obscured traffic signs.

On the accident report form, include: Time and date, Weather and traffic conditions, Description of the accident, and Description of injuries and damage. These details will become important in settling your claim with the other driver’s insurance company.

Don’t forget to….

• Obtain a copy of any accident reports or incidents reports filed by the police and other drivers to assist in settling your claim.
• Follow instructions from your auto insurance agent.
• Consult a personal injury attorney if medical bills, injuries, or property damages are involved. If you feel that the insurance company is “low-balling” your claim, that is significantly reduced your claim, then you should seek the counsel of an attorney.

Finally, here are some extra information to note

• Always write down names of any investigators, including police officers or insurance claims adjusters.
• Whenever you speak to an insurance company representative, note the date, the name of the person, and a brief description of the conversation.
• Keep receipts of all expenditures, including transportation, parking costs, and repair costs.