What to Do When You Have a Car Accident

Did you know that your insurance agent will coach you through the aftermath of a car accident?

So many drivers go it alone and make mistakes that hurt them in the long run, but the team at Gutman Insurance is here to help. When you choose us for your insurance needs, you choose a full support team, here for you during your scariest moments behind the wheel. 

Best Practice After an Accident

Here are 18 things to know & do immediately following a car accident: 

1. It may not be your fault, even if you think it is. Don’t blame yourself for the accident as it can contribute to hysteria and lead to undue liability.
2. Stay as calm as possible; take a moment to gather yourself before you take the next steps. 
3. Take a look around so you can describe your location. Look for street signs, mile markers, businesses, or landmarks.
4. Call 911 to report the accident, even if nobody is hurt. Filing a police report will be important in the long run. 
5. Do as the dispatcher requests of you and don’t hang up until he or she has ended the call. 
6. Answer all of the dispatcher’s questions, but provide only the answer to the question. Don’t volunteer extra information.
7. Call your insurance agent when it makes sense. 
8. Your insurance agent will walk you through what to do next, so you don’t have to know everything. Lean on your agent to guide you through the process. 
9. Get the name, phone number, and insurance card of any other driver involved in the accident. Tip: use your phone to scan or photograph the insurance card. 
10. Share your name, contact information, and insurance card with other drivers involved.
11. Take photos of the aftermath of the accident, including the final positions of vehicles and any visible damage to vehicles, fences, or other property. 
12. Take notes of the details you recall: how the accident occurred, the status of stoplights, where the vehicle was hit, etc. 
13. It’s okay to answer the police officer’s questions when he or she arrives at the scene, but again, don’t volunteer extra information. Provide the answer to each question and nothing more.
14. Never admit fault; you may or may not be at fault, even if you feel like you are, and admitting fault can stop or alter the investigation and leave you at risk of liability. 
15. Don’t visit with passersby or other drivers involved except to get contact information. Avoid speculating about the accident.
16. Ask how to get a copy of the report before the officer leaves the scene; you may need this to file your claim or schedule repairs. 
17. Don’t leave the scene until the officer lets you know you’re good to go.
18. Call your agent to start the process of filing your insurance claim and scheduling repairs. 

While getting into an accident can be scary, the right insurance company will provide support and direction along the way. Are you in the market for a more supportive agent or better rates? Visit us at Gutman Insurance today!