What To Do After A Car Accident: A Step-By-Step Guide

A car accident can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Knowing what steps to take immediately after an accident can help protect your rights, ensure your safety, and streamline the insurance claim process. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to take after a car accident.

Step 1: Check for Injuries and Ensure Safety

Your safety and the safety of others is the top priority.

• Check yourself and passengers for any injuries.

• If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately to request medical assistance.

• Move to a safe location if possible, but avoid leaving the scene.

• Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers.

Step 2: Call the Authorities

• Contact the police to report the accident, even if it seems minor, it could be needed later.

• The police report can serve as an essential document when filing an insurance claim.

• Provide accurate details to the responding officers, but avoid admitting fault.

Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene

Collecting evidence can support your claim and protect you legally.

• Take photos and videos of the accident scene including vehicle damage, license plates, and road conditions.

• Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) The easiest way to do this is to take photos of drivers licenses and ID cards, and save their contact information in your phone.

• Collect witness statements and their contact information if possible. Conveniently do this by recording a video or voice note of the person and have them recite their phone number at the end.

Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company

• Contact your insurance provider or agent as soon as possible to report the accident.

• Provide necessary details but avoid making speculative statements.

• Follow their instructions for filing a claim.

• Keep track of claim numbers and communication with your insurer.

Step 5: Seek Medical Attention

• Even if you feel fine, it is recommended to get checked by a healthcare provider to rule out hidden injuries.

• Keep records of medical evaluations, treatments, and expenses.

Step 6: Keep Detailed Records

• Maintain a file with all accident-related documents, including the police report, medical bills, repair estimates, and any correspondence with your adjuster.

• Keeping organized records can help expedite the claim process.

Step 7: Understand Your Insurance Coverage

• Review your insurance policy with your agent to understand what is most likely to be covered and what may not be.

• Ask your insurance company about rental car coverage and repair options if needed.

Have more questions? We're happy to help. Give us a call and any of our agents would be happy to walk through the claims process with you, even if you don't have a claim to file (we'd hope you don't have to file a claim!).

(207) 363-7894 | www.tapleyagency.com | 300 York St . PO Box 808 . York, Maine 03909