What to Do When You Have a Car Accident

For the drivers involved in the over six million car crashes that happen every year in the United States, knowing what to do after an accident becomes essential in a hurry. In fact, statistics show that every driver is likely to be involved in one or more car accidents during their driving years, which means it’s essential for all drivers to know what to do if they’ve been involved in an accident.

Here at Leonard Insurance, it’s our goal to help prepare drivers for the best and worst they’ll face as drivers, including accidents. Here are six steps you can take after an accident to best protect yourself and others involved. 

6 Steps to Take After You’ve Been in a Car Accident

1. Move the vehicle to safety. If passengers aren’t injured, turn on your flashers and move your vehicle out of oncoming traffic to prevent further impact and/or injuries. If the vehicle is incapacitated or you’re injured, turn your flashers on to alert other drivers of the potential hazard. 
2. Call 911. All accidents must be reported to local law enforcement, even if you feel worried that you may be at fault, that you could be in trouble, or that your car insurance premiums might go up. Sometimes, the other driver might ask you not to file a police report, but it’s important that you do discuss with your agent.
3. If you feel threatened or intimidated, don’t interact with the other party, wait in your vehicle for law enforcement.
4. Tell your insurance agent what happened. Your insurance agent can help you gather yourself after the accident and take the right steps to ensure you have everything you need to file a claim and schedule repairs. Follow any advice your insurance agent provides. 
5. If possible, get the other driver’s insurance information, phone number, and name. Using your cell phone to take a picture of their insurance card can be convenient and help prevent losing important information. If you feel it’s not your fault, you are not obligated to give the other party your insurance information – wait for law enforcement. Or give your insurance agent/agency name & phone number to the other party.
6. Take pictures. Take photos of the accident scene, the vehicles & license plates involved in the accident, and any damage to surrounding property (stop signs, fences, buildings, or other property). If you have injuries, it can be helpful to photograph those, too.
7. Gather information. Right now, you have access to more information than you will at any other point in time, so write down everything you can: exactly what happened and how it happened; who was involved; who may have witnessed the accident; what damage occurred as a result. Document the names and contact information of any passengers and witnesses to the crash. Be prepared to provide the documentation to your insurance company if requested.
8. Answer the police officer’s questions about what happened. Provide facts and data but not your opinion about who was at fault or what caused the accident.

3 Things NOT to Do After an Accident

1. Never make statements that insinuate that you caused the accident. Until an investigation has been completed, you can’t know all of the factors that played a role in the collision, and you may not be at fault, even if you feel like you are. Admitting fault can make an investigation unnecessary and leave you liable.
2. Never leave the scene without notifying law enforcement and exchanging necessary information with other drivers involved. Most contact with law enforcement can be over the phone unless injuries are involved.
3. Avoid speculating and visiting with others at the scene. Keep your conversations minimal and focus on what you need to know and what you need to do.

To learn more or get a free car insurance quote, visit Leonard Insurance in Mequon, WI, online or in person today!