What to do if you’re in an accident

Here are 10 things to do after a car accident:

1. Make sure everyone is ok – before concerning yourself with vehicle damage and exchanging insurance information, make sure that all parties to the accident are ok. If not, call 911.

2. Save the apologies for another time – yes, politeness is an admirable trait, but in this situation, a simple “I’m sorry, I wasn’t paying attention,” can be seen as an admission of liability.

3. Start talking – to witnesses, that is. Get all the relevant contact information of any bystanders that may have seen the accident.

4. Call Your Insurance Company – report the incident to your insurance company, even if you are completely at fault. Also, keep track of the time and money spent pursuing your claim.

5. Take Pictures – having proof of the damage to the car will help with insurance, and serve as evidence if there is a dispute down the line. One helpful tip is to always keep a disposable camera in your glove compartment for these situations.

6. Take Notes – similar to pictures, detailing the accident and the nature of your injuries as soon as possible can serve to expedite the process.

7. Get a Property Damage Figure from your Insurance Company – this valuation will serve as the amount you can recover or replace your car. If you are not happy with the figure from your insurance company, seek outside quotes.

8. Careful Who You Talk To – if the other party’s insurance company contacts you, your best response is to get in touch with your insurance company or attorney. Why? Because they are better equipped to handle the situation.

9. Don’t automatically accept the first estimate or offer you get – jumping the gun on the settlement can be a costly mistake.

10. Get an attorney – if there is a dispute with your insurance company, or the seemingly simple car accident suddenly turns complicated, then seeking legal counsel is your best bet.

11. Take a deep breath, everything is going to be ok.

State Farm says:
Be prepared

* Have a set of cones, warning triangles, or emergency flares in your trunk to help alert traffic
* It also helps to have a pen and a card with any relevant medical information for you and your family

Immediately after an accident

* Take a deep breath and stay calm
* Check for injuries; call an ambulance when in doubt
* If accident is minor, move cars to a safe place, out of traffic
* Turn on your vehicle’s hazard lights and use cones, warning triangles or flares for safety
* Call the police, even if the accident is minor
* Notify your insurance agent immediately

Other important tips

* Don’t sign any document unless it’s for the police or your insurance agent
* Make immediate notes about the accident, including specific damages to all vehicles involved, witness information, etc.
* If the name on an auto registration is different than the driver, jot down the relationship
* Be polite, but don’t tell anyone the accident was your fault, even if you think it was
* State only the facts, and limit your discussion of the accident to the police and your insurance agent
* If possible, don’t leave the accident scene before the police and other drivers do