We hope you’re never involved in a crash. If you are, we recommend following the below check list:
1. Make sure no one is seriously injured
Make sure that you, your passengers and others involved are OK. If anyone is injured, call an ambulance or get help. . In the case of a catastrophic injury or fatality, do not attempt to move your vehicle. If no one is seriously hurt, assess the situation.
2. Make sure you’re safe
Wherever you are, be sure other vehicles on the roadway can see you. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers on the road. If your car is drivable, move it out of the way of traffic. Then turn off your car and turn on your hazard lights.
If you have safety triangles or cones, use them. Be sure you are safe
3. Call the police
Even if no one was hurt, you should call the police if other people, cars or property are involved in the accident. An officer may not make a trip to the scene, but the police do want to know about the accident — especially if it could potentially back up traffic.
Plus, reporting the accident can help protect you if there are any issues with others involved. It’s always best to provide a police report with your claims submission when possible.
4. Get information from other drivers
Exchange information with other people involved in the accident. Be sure to write down basic contact information for everyone involved, including:
• Name
• License plate number
• Address
• Driver’s license number
• Phone number
• Insurance company and policy number
If you have a camera with you, take photos of the scene and the damage to the vehicles to help document the crash.
Remember that everyone is under a lot of stress after an accident, so tempers may flare. Try to stay calm and to stay out of any arguments. Venting your frustration or responding to angry comments may make you feel better now, but it will not help matters in the long run.
5. Call your insurance company
As soon as possible, report the accident with your insurance company. Even if it wasn’t your fault, it’s important to let your insurance company know what happened and have your questions answered. Plus, your insurance company can work with other drivers’ insurance companies to help you get any necessary repairs made as quickly as possible.
If the crash happens in a place where you don’t feel secure, it’s okay to wait until you’re somewhere safe to report your claim. But, try to report the claim as soon as possible.
