What to Do After a Car Accident: A Step-by-Step Guide

By the Mercury Team

Being in a car accident can be overwhelming, but knowing the right steps to take immediately after can make all the difference. Acting quickly and calmly helps protect your safety, the well-being of your passengers, and the safety of others involved. Our guide will help you through the process of ensuring all parties are safe, teach you how to report a car accident, and provide steps you can take to ensure a smoother auto insurance claims process.

What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident

First, take a deep breath and assess yourself for injuries. Any accident is scary, but the most important thing is staying calm and focused. Here’s a rundown of what to do:

Ensure Safety First

Whether you got rear-ended at a light or crashed into another car as you took a left turn, your first thing to do after a car crash is secure the scene. If both vehicles are drivable and it’s safe to do so, move them to a safe location away from traffic. If you’re on the interstate or a highway, pull off to the side of the road. For surface street incidents, pull into a neighborhood or parking lot if possible. In any scenario, turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers. Then, call emergency services if needed.

Call the Police

Wondering how to report a car accident? Call 911. Regardless of the severity, contact law enforcement to file a police report. You’ll want to have an official report documenting the incident, even in the event of a fender bender. The police will interview and collect information from both drivers and any passengers or witnesses to the accident. Be sure to document damage, date and time of the accident, and injuries to help when filing medical or auto claims. Be prepared to provide your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.

Police reports may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to complete, depending on the complexity of the situation. Make sure you ask for a copy of the accident report number and note the names and badge numbers of responding officers so you can request a copy once it is available.

Exchange Information with Other Drivers

Unless law enforcement happens to be nearby when a collision occurs, you’ll likely be waiting a few minutes. Once you’ve determined that all parties are safe, be sure to exchange information with the other driver involved. Get their vehicle information, name, contact information, and insurance details.

Now is also the time to document the damage, snap pictures, and take video footage on your phone of both vehicles and the scene of the accident, if applicable. This can help prevent false claims from the other party. It’s also a good idea to write down your version of events either in the notes app of your smartphone or via pen and paper, should you have them on hand. Describe the collision in as much detail as possible while it’s still fresh in your mind. Or, record an audio message on your phone detailing the accident. Documenting as much as possible will help you when you file an insurance claim and can help law enforcement write their report.

Begin the Claims Process

After a car accident, one of the most critical steps is starting the car accident insurance claims process with your auto insurance provider. This ensures that the necessary steps are taken to address damages, cover any medical costs, and get you back on the road as quickly as possible. Starting the process early helps avoid delays in getting repairs or compensation, and it can make a stressful situation feel a bit more manageable.

Contact Your Auto Insurance Provider

Reporting the accident as soon as possible is essential because it ensures that your claim can be processed quickly and accurately, helping you get the necessary support for repairs, medical expenses, and any other costs. Most insurance companies have time limits for reporting accidents, so delaying can complicate the claims process or, in some cases, even lead to a denied claim.

Once your insurance provider has the necessary information, they will determine which types of coverage apply to your situation. Collision coverage helps pay for damages to your car, while liability coverage handles the costs of injuries or damages to the other party if you’re found at fault. Personal injury protection or medical payments coverage can help cover your medical expenses or those of your passengers. Knowing what each type of coverage does can prepare you for the conversations ahead and prevent any surprises during the claims process.

Be aware that your insurance rates may increase. If the accident was your fault or if you’ve been in other accidents before, you might see a rise in your premiums. Some insurance companies, however, offer programs like accident forgiveness, which can prevent a rate hike for first-time accidents. Check with your agent to determine potential rate changes.

File a Car Accident Claim

Filing a car accident claim is the next critical step after reporting the accident. The process typically begins with submitting all the relevant information to your insurance company, including the details you gathered at the scene. You will likely need to provide any medical records related to injuries as well as repair estimates for vehicle damage.

During the claims process, your insurance company may send an adjuster to assess the damage to your car and determine the extent of coverage. Be sure to keep all documentation, from the accident report to medical bills. This helps to streamline the process and avoid potential disputes. After everything is reviewed, your insurer will issue compensation based on the coverage you have and the specifics of your policy.

How much will insurance rates go up after an accident? It will depend on whether or not you’re at fault. If you’ve been a good driver prior to the accident, you may still qualify for auto insurance discounts even after filing a claim. Many insurance companies offer good driving discounts, where a clean driving record over a certain number of years can help reduce your rates. Some providers may also have safe driving or defensive driving courses that can lower your premiums after an accident, so it’s worth asking your insurer about these options.

When to Seek Legal Help After a Car Accident

While most car accidents are resolved through insurance claims, there are times when legal assistance might be necessary. If there’s a dispute over who is at fault or if the other party’s insurance is refusing to pay, contacting a lawyer can help ensure that your rights are protected. Legal help can also be crucial in cases involving serious injuries where medical expenses are high, and compensation may be contested.

If the accident resulted in significant damage or there are complications with the insurance claim, a lawyer can help negotiate on your behalf or even represent you in court if needed. Legal advice is especially important if you’re being sued by another driver or if there’s a disagreement over how much compensation you’re entitled to receive.

Whether you’re looking for quality, cheap auto insurance, or you want more information on how a car accident will affect your premiums, contact us today for a fast, free quote!