It’s common for emotions to take over following even the most minor car accident, leading to mistakes that can’t be taken back like leaving the scene of an accident, admitting fault, or choosing not to call the police and report the accident. While the team at Adam Johnston Insurance hopes you avoid a collision during your driving career, we also want to make sure you know exactly what to do if you ever find yourself involved in an accident.
Steps to Take Immediately Following the Accident
As soon as everybody, including you, is safe after the accident, follow these steps for the best outcome:
- Call 911 to report the accident. Look for street names, house numbers, or landmarks to describe your location to the operator. Be sure to notify the dispatcher if there are life-threatening injuries and follow the instructions he or she provides to you.
- Reach out to your insurance agent to report the accident and get clear instructions. He or she can help you stay calm and understand what to expect when the police arrive. Be sure to follow through on any instructions provided to you by your insurance agent’s office.
- Document key details. The details you’re able to capture immediately following the accident are much harder to track down later, so documenting as much as possible in those early moments can support the accident investigation and help the police and insurance agencies make educated decisions about fault and follow-up. We’ll discuss in further detail later.
- Avoid discussing the accident with other parties. Be polite, but don’t make statements that admit fault in the accident. Be aware of your emotions, take deep breaths, and maintain your composure as well a possible in the circumstances. This is important because drivers often feel responsible for an accident even when they aren’t at fault. Leave it to the police and insurance companies to determine who is at fault.
- Help police with the accident report. Answer any questions they have for you without admitting fault and provide contact information and documents (license, registration, insurance cards) as requested.
- File a claim. Once you’re safely home, your insurance agency will assist you in filing a claim, scheduling repairs, and seeking treatment if necessary.
What to Document After an Accident
If you focus on gathering important information after an accident, it serves two purposes: it can help you stay calm and focused, and it can provide important details for both law enforcement and your insurance agent. Things to document include the name, contact information, and insurance information for any other driver or vehicle involved in the crash; the names and contact information of passengers and witnesses; a detailed narrative of what happened; and photographs of the scene and any damage that occurred.
If you’re in the market for better auto insurance or lower rates on your coverage, visit Adam Johnston Insurance in Janesville in person or online today. Our qualified team is your biggest advocate when it comes to the claims investigation and payment process.
