{"id":506,"date":"2022-12-21T20:22:00","date_gmt":"2022-12-21T20:22:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/?p=506"},"modified":"2025-01-17T17:00:35","modified_gmt":"2025-01-17T17:00:35","slug":"what-to-do-after-a-car-accident","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/auto\/what-to-do-after-a-car-accident\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Do After a Car Accident"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cAccidents happen\u201d is just a truth of life. Whether it is a car crash, motorcycle accident, or a minor fender bender, most people will file an insurance claim for an<\/span> auto related accident<\/span><\/a> once every 17.9 years. Given that even the most responsible driver could be involved in a car accident, it is important to know what to do in case you\u2019re involved in a collision.<\/span><\/p>\n

Getting into a car wreck can be jarring, stressful, and cause panic, but if you follow these steps you\u2019ll be better prepared. You will feel better knowing what to do and stay cool under the pressure. Here\u2019s what to do in a car accident in order to protect yourself, stay calm, and ensure that your insurance claim process goes smoothly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Be Prepared<\/span><\/h2>\n

No one intends on being in traffic accidents, but it\u2019s a good idea to be prepared ahead of time in case you end up being in one. Have a set of orange safety cones, emergency flares, or warning triangles in your trunk so that you can use them to alert and divert oncoming traffic from the scene of the accident. You should also carry a pad of paper and a pen so it\u2019s easier to jot down contact information so you can take both photo records and hand-written records of what you need. Pack a <\/span>first aid kit and bottled water<\/span><\/a> to help mend minor injuries and stay hydrated until help arrives.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It might also help to have a front and rear dash camera installed so that you have video evidence to turn over to the police department or insurance companies. Having this is especially helpful if you believe the accident was staged or the other driver acted recklessly but still make you seem like the at-fault driver because of the nature of the crash. .\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Have your insurance policy information, health plan info (i.e., insurance card), vehicle registration, ID, and other documentation on your person and at the ready in case they need to be verified onsite. Having these small things prepared and on hand can make a big difference in case you wind up in a car, motorcycle, or truck accident where you will have to exchange information with another party.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Check On Everyone Involved in the Accident<\/span><\/h2>\n

The most important thing to determine in any car accident is the well-being of everyone involved. Check yourself and the people in your vehicle first to make sure that nobody has sustained any life-threatening or serious injuries. Once you\u2019ve completed this check, move onto the other vehicle(s) involved. This includes the drivers, passengers, and pedestrians affected.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Even in the case of minor accidents, calling the police is required depending on the state you\u2019re in\u2013even when the driver is cooperative and not irate. Many insurance companies will ask for an official police report in order to proceed with the claim.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Regardless of fault, it is important to make sure no one has any obvious injuries and is in need of emergency medical attention. If someone is hurt or even feels dizzy, call 911 for emergency medical services to arrive and administer professional treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Move to a Safer Area<\/span><\/h2>\n

If your car is still able to move after your auto accident, try to move to a safe place such as a side street or shoulder. If this isn\u2019t possible, flip on your hazard lights and use your road flares\/cones\/triangles to let the surrounding area know that you are unable to move your vehicle. This will also help protect the scene of the accident. Under no circumstances should you flee the <\/span>scene of a crash<\/span><\/a>, even if you are not at fault.<\/span><\/p>\n

Call the Police<\/span><\/h2>\n

Even in minor traffic accidents, an <\/span>accident report filed by the local police<\/span><\/a> can help your auto policy provider verify your insurance claim. Cooperate fully with the police when they arrive, but do not make any statements admitting fault or blaming others for the accident. It is the job of the law enforcement officer to judge who, if anyone, is to blame for the traffic incident. If there are no injuries and the police are unable to make it to the scene, car accident reports can be filed by you and the others involved in the accident at your local DMV.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gather All the Information You Can<\/span><\/h2>\n

The more accurate information you gather, the more smooth your claims process will be. When you\u2019re in an accident, make sure you obtain:<\/span><\/p>\n