No one expects to get into a car accident. But when it happens, knowing what to do can make all the difference. The right actions protect your physical safety, your legal rights, and your insurance claim.
Follow this ten step guide if you are ever in a crash.
Step One: Check for Injuries and Stay Calm
First and most important, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Adrenaline can mask pain, so take a moment to breathe and assess how everyone feels.
Stay calm. Panic leads to poor decisions. Take deep breaths and focus on the next steps.
Step Two: Move to a Safe Location If Possible
If your vehicle is drivable and blocking traffic, move it to the shoulder, a nearby parking lot, or another safe area. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
If your car cannot move or you are injured, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened and wait for emergency responders.
Step Three: Call the Police
Even for minor accidents, call the police. A police report provides an official record of what happened. Insurance companies rely heavily on these reports when processing claims.
When the officer arrives, give a factual account of the accident. Do not guess. Do not speculate. Stick to what you actually saw and experienced.
Step Four: Exchange Information with the Other Driver
Collect the following information from every driver involved:
- Full name and contact information
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Insurance company name and policy number
- Vehicle make, model, year, and color
Be polite and cooperative, but do not discuss fault or apologize. Statements like I am sorry or I did not see you can be used against you later.
Step Five: Document the Scene Thoroughly
Use your phone to take photos and videos of:
- All vehicles involved from multiple angles
- Damage to each vehicle up close
- License plates
- The overall accident scene including road conditions, traffic signs, and weather
- Any visible injuries
These photos provide valuable evidence for your insurance claim. The more documentation you have, the better.
Step Six: Talk to Witnesses
If anyone saw the accident, ask for their name and contact information. Witness statements can be extremely helpful if there is a dispute about who caused the crash.
Politely ask what they saw and ask if they would be willing to speak with the police or insurance adjusters.
Step Seven: Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, including whiplash and internal bleeding, may not show symptoms immediately. A medical record also documents that your injuries resulted from the accident.
Delaying medical care can give insurance companies a reason to deny your claim.
Step Eight: Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance company as soon as possible, ideally within twenty four hours. Provide them with the facts of what happened. Do not guess or speculate. Stick to what you know.
Most insurers have 24/7 claims hotlines. At 365 Auto Insurance, our claims team is available every single day of the year.
Step Nine: Keep Detailed Records
Create a file for everything related to the accident:
- Police report number and copy
- Photos and videos
- Medical bills and records
- Repair estimates and receipts
- Rental car receipts
- Correspondence with insurance companies
- Mileage for medical appointments
Organized records make the claims process smoother and faster.
Step Ten: Be Careful What You Sign and Say
Do not sign any documents or accept any settlement offers without first talking to your insurance agent or attorney. The other driver’s insurance company may try to get you to settle quickly for less than you deserve.
Do not post about the accident on social media. Insurance companies monitor social media and can use your posts against you.
How 365 Auto Insurance Helps After an Accident
At 365 Auto Insurance, we make the claims process as simple and stress free as possible. When you file a claim with us:
- You speak directly to a real claims adjuster, not a robot
- We assign a dedicated advocate to guide you through every step
- Most claims are resolved within forty eight hours
- We work directly with repair shops to expedite your repairs
- Our 24/7 claims hotline is available every single day of the year
We are with you before, during, and after the accident.
Download Our Accident Checklist
Print this checklist and keep it in your glove compartment. When an accident happens, you will have clear instructions at your fingertips.
- Check for injuries. Call 911 if hurt.
- Move to a safe location. Turn on hazard lights.
- Call the police. Get a police report.
- Exchange information with other driver.
- Take photos of everything.
- Talk to witnesses. Get their contact info.
- See a doctor. Even if you feel fine.
- Call your insurance company.
- Keep all records in one file.
- Do not sign anything without advice.
Stay Safe Out There
Accidents are stressful, but being prepared makes a huge difference. Share this guide with your family and keep a copy in your vehicle.
And remember, 365 Auto Insurance is here for you every single day of the year. When you need us most, we answer the call.