What To Do After a Car Accident: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Car accidents can happen to anybody, including careful drivers. Even a minor fender bender can leave you shaken up, making it hard to focus on the things you need to do to make sure you’re taken care of, both physically and financially. That’s why it’s important to be educated ahead of time and have a car accident checklist ready to go.
7 Steps To Take After a Car Accident
It can be hard to know what to do immediately after a car accident to make sure everyone is safe, follow the law, and make the insurance claim process more efficient. Use this car accident checklist to help you navigate the steps to take after a car accident.
1. Remain calm
Even minor car accidents can be stressful and scary, but remaining calm and collected can help you stay safe and in control of the situation.
2. Check for injuries
Immediately determine if anyone is hurt, including the driver and passengers of any other vehicles involved. If someone is injured, call 911 to get an ambulance on the scene.
3. Move to a safe area
If your vehicle is still drivable, turn on your hazard lights and move the vehicle to the side of the road or out of the path of traffic. If you have road flares, set them up to warn other drivers. If your car is not operational, leave it where it is and get yourself and any passengers to safety.
4. Call the authorities
Reporting the car accident to authorities is important — and legally required in some states. Make sure you note which agency responds, so you can request an accident report later, if needed for the claims process. If the authorities can't get to the scene, you can usually file a report at your local police station or department of motor vehicles.
5. Exchange information
Exchanging insurance information, including the car insurance company and policy number is critical, but it’s also important to get the following items:
- Full names for all drivers, passengers, and witnesses
- Home addresses, emails, and phone numbers
- Driver’s license and license plate number(s)
- Make, model, and color of vehicle(s)
If anyone leaves the scene before a report is made, write down any information that you can about the driver(s), vehicle(s), and any occupants to help with the investigation.
6. Document the accident
There are a few steps to take after a car accident to ensure it is thoroughly documented, including:
- Note the date and time of the accident
- Get the name and badge number(s) of all responding officers
- Retain a copy of the accident report as you made need it to file your car accident claim.
- Take pictures or videos of the entire scene, including all vehicles, damaged property, and tire marks, from different angles.
7. Notify your insurance
It’s a good idea to inform your car insurance company that an accident occurred, even if you’re not at fault. To report a car accident to Westfield, call 800.243.0210 (option 3) or submit a claim using your MyWestfield account.
What To Do After a Car Accident When It’s Not Your Fault
Even when you believe an accident is not your fault, you should still report the incident, exchange information, and follow the steps outlined above. That’s partly because legal liability is only determined after an investigation. Plus, if you’re determined to not be at fault, you could still be responsible for filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Call your insurer first as they often will communicate with the other driver’s insurance company on your behalf.
Car Accidents and Insurance: Coverages to Consider
One way to reduce the stress that often comes along with a car accident is by having good car insurance. Often times, you can make your auto policy stronger with optional endorsements. Here are some add-on coverages that Westfield offers that can be useful after an accident:
- Roadside Assistance – When you need a fuel delivery, jump-start, or tow to the repair shop, our 24/7 roadside assistance can help you get on back on the road.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) – Whether you’re hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, UM/UIM coverage can help financially protect you.
- Loan/Lease Gap – If your totaled vehicle is worth less than what you owe on your loan or lease, gap coverage can help provide a financial cushion.
If you’re interested in adding any of these coverages or would like a car insurance quote from Westfield, contact your local agent today.