What to Do After an Auto Accident

Nothing gets your adrenaline up and puts you in fight-or-flight mode faster than an auto accident, and that survivalist reaction can make it extremely difficult to act in the most responsible and self-preserving behavior after an accident.

Here is a list of things you should do after an accident that leave you capable of moving about without causing further injuries.

Accident To-Do List

Do not admit any fault.  Refrain from speaking about the reasons or causes of the accident with the other party.  This is not the time to neither admit nor lay blame.  Let the police and/or your insurance company handle those details.

Take photos: The first thing you should do (and as soon after as possible) is start snapping pictures. If your mobile phone has a camera in it then you can start at once before anything at the scene is budged. Watch out for oncoming traffic and make sure you are out of harm's way as you take pictures.

Taking photos before any cars are moved can help your insurer recreate the accident and resolve who was at fault and can be a great way to confirm damage that did, or didn’t transpire at the scene. If your phone doesn’t have a camera, you can always keep a disposable camera in your glove box.

Move cars if possible: Once you’ve snapped a few photos, you should move your car out of the road if at all possible. This prevents further damage and risk from approaching drivers and prevents the road from being obstructed.

Get the other driver’s information: Once you are safely on the shoulder of the road, get the drivers license and insurance card from the other driver. Write down their vital information, driver’s license number and insurance information.  Be sure to also note their license plate number and ask for their phone number.

Call the police: You can really do this step at any point—the sooner the better. The authorities should be called for every accident, even minor ones, so that you get a thorough, reliable report on record.

Call your insurance company: If this is something that you want to classify with your insurer as a claim (some minor fender-benders can be paid for out of your own pocket) then call your insurer while you are at the scene, with all the details still fresh in your mind. Some insurers have traveling claims adjusters that they may want to send out to the scene of the accident.

Take notes: Because you are functioning on adrenaline after an accident, you may find that you have a very foggy memory of the incident a few days later. Jot down notes throughout the entire process of what triggered the accident and what you and the other person or people involved did after the fact. This could prove useful later.

Get witness names: Whether it is you or the other driver at fault, you should get the names and contact information of any witnesses. If you get sued for negligence, a witness can be your saving grace to testify for other factors that may have contributed to the accident.

Remember, your safety should be your main concern after an accident. If you are injured, wait for emergency services before trying to walk around.

Make sure your Chicago Auto Insurance agent is there for you in the event of an accident. Contact us at Oxford Auto Insurance today!