CHECKLIST: Steps To Take After an Accident

1. Safety First

If you are able to, move the involved vehicles out of the road and to a safe spot. Place your vehicle in park, turn on your hazard lights, and turn off your engine. Check for any injuries, if anyone is injured, call for an ambulance. For added safety, use cones, warning triangles, or flares if available to you. Try to remain as calm as possible and take a moment to center yourself so you can approach the next few minutes with a clear and level head.

2. Call Police

In most cases, it is illegal to leave the scene of an accident without notifying the police. Even if the accident is considered minor, calling the police is the first step in getting an accident report filed. The accident report filed by the police can be an important document to assist you in the claims process and will help establish who may have been at fault.

3. Document Everything & Collect Information

If your accident involved another driver or personal property, you will need to collect essential information

• Drivers and passengers names and contact information.
• Vehicle descriptions (make, model, year)
• Driver's insurance companies and policy numbers
• Names and contact information of any witnesses, note exactly what they saw so you aren't trying to pull from memory later on.
• Accident location, address, and description. Be sure to note weather conditions, road conditions, and lighting at the scene of the accident.
• Jot down your recollection of the accident including details on where you were driving from, vehicles driving around you, street lights, etc.
• Name and badge number of any police officer who is assisting you.

This information will be helpful and necessary when making your insurance claim for any vehicle damage that occurred and important to have on file. Be polite and cooperative with all parties involved, but do not state that the accident was your fault, even if you believe it was.

4. Take Pictures

Sometimes pictures can be helpful in filing a claim, and act as records of the incident and used by your insurance adjuster. Use your phone and take photos of the following areas:

• Any vehicle damage
• Any property damage
• Skid marks left on the ground
• The entire surrounding scene
• Road conditions ie potholes, ice, puddles, etc.

5. Get Police Report & File an Insurance Claim

After the accident, try and get the police accident report on the scene. In some instances, you may need to get it after it is filed at the police station. This document is essential information for filing your insurance claim and is a legal document. When you get the report, make sure it lists the name, badge number and contact information of the responding officers in the event you need to contact them regarding the accident.

If your vehicle has sustained any damage in the collision, call your insurance company to report your claim. It's possible your insurance company may send an adjuster to estimate the damage to your vehicle and start the repair process.

Remember, you always have the right to choose where you bring your vehicle for collision repairs.

6. Find a Car Accident/Collision Repair Shop

Most insurance companies will offer you a list of their preferred shops whree you can take your vehicle for repairs, but you are not required by law to select a shop from their suggestions. You can choose any auto body or collision repair shop that you're comfortable with, so we suggest making sure you select a reputable one in your area.