It's easy to get scared or nervous after a minor traffic accident, especially if it's your first one. However, it is important to remember that you will be involved in a legal process. This means that there are some important steps you will need to take if you are involved in a car collision. Fortunately, once you know what these steps are, it will be much easier to deal with a minor traffic accident correctly, even if you are nervous!
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Act Immediately After an Accident
Step 1. Stop your car on the side of the road if you can drive safely
Stay out of the flow of traffic to reduce the risk of another accident. Make sure you stop in a safe place where you and the other driver can get out of their cars.
- For added safety, turn on your hazard lights once you've stopped.
- Pay attention to where the other car stops. If the other car won't stop, try to see and remember its license plate once you've pulled up to the side of the road. Write down the license plate number as soon as you can.
Step 2. Check others and check yourself to see if anyone has injuries and call emergency services
If you or any of your passengers are seriously injured, call emergency services (911 for the United States) immediately to have paramedics dispatched to the scene. Treat any minor injuries to the best of your ability.
It is very important that paramedics know exactly what type of injuries they will face when they arrive on the scene
Warning- Sometimes a minor traffic accident can cause injuries that take a few days to appear. Monitor your body health in the days after the accident in case you develop soft tissue damage later on.
Step 3. Call the police to come to the scene and assess the situation
The police will have to file an accident report. If there is any concern that harm has been caused, the police will play the role of a neutral third party and document the scene of the accident.
- If the other driver didn't stop, you can tell the police his license plate number once he arrives.
- In some cases, the minor traffic accident seems so minor that both parties avoid calling the police and simply exchange information about car insurance. However, it is very important to have a police accident report for insurance.
Warning: In some jurisdictions, the law requires you to report to the police if you have been in a car accident, even if the damages are minor and no one is injured.
Step 4. Communicate with the other driver to make sure they are safe and calm
After both of you have stopped, walk to the other car and ask if the driver and his passengers are okay. Do not be angry or angry and assure them that the police are on their way and that the situation will be resolved.
- Take a deep breath and try to avoid anger during this interaction. Staying calm will reduce the likelihood of other altercations.
- If the other driver is angry or aggressive, go back to your own car and wait for the police to arrive. Don't approach it in an uncivilized way.
Part 2 of 3: Document the Scene
Step 1. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver
In a calm and collected tone, tell the other driver that you want to exchange insurance information. Bring your insurance information for your car or your wallet. Also, grab a cell phone or pen and paper that you can use to write down the other driver's insurance information.
- If the driver is uninsured, ask for their name, driver's license number, license plate number, address, and contact number. You will face legal consequences and you can report this information to the police.
- Do not accept any deal for which they exchange money without notifying the insurance companies, even if it is not your fault.
Step 2. Take notes and photos of the scene for insurance
Use your cell phone to take photos of the cars and tire marks. You can use those photos to later support your claim with your insurance company.
- The police will also take their own photos when they arrive on the scene. These photos can also be used in your insurance claim.
- Stay out of the traffic path to take the photos.
Step 3. Get the contact information for any witnesses, if applicable
Some other drivers and pedestrians could have stopped to see if everyone was okay after the accident. Ask these people for their contact information in case you need it later for the police or your insurance company.
If possible, ask those witnesses to stay and give a statement to the police at the scene
Step 4. Avoid accepting blame for the accident until the police arrive
The police will be the referee in order to determine who is to blame for the accident. However, if you accept blame for the accident before the police arrive, you could be liable for any damage to the other driver's vehicle, regardless of what law enforcement decides.
At the same time, don't blame the other driver for the accident, even if you think it is their fault. It is best to leave the determination of liability for the accident to a neutral party
Step 5. Cooperate in everything with the police and tell the truth
Tell your version of the accident, making sure to stick to the facts without exaggerating or saying something that is not true. Do not lie to the police, as this can lead to a criminal charge.
Part 3 of 3: File an Insurance Claim
Step 1. Ask for a copy of the police report once you are released from the scene
Make arrangements to collect a copy of the police report after the police finish writing it. Write down the name of the police officer, the police station and the badge number so that you can follow up.
- Note that this is not absolutely necessary as part of filing an insurance claim. However, having access to the details that the police gathered from the scene will make filing your claim much easier.
- Wait for the police to release you from the scene. Do not withdraw abruptly or it may appear that you are trying to flee the situation.
Step 2. Contact your insurance company to immediately begin filing a claim
Look on your insurance card for an "In Case of Accident or Claim" number that you can call. Contact an insurance agent as soon as possible after the accident to begin the claim process immediately.
By calling your insurance company to report an accident, you will protect your property; however, this will also give them a chance to prepare to argue on your behalf
tip: You may want to save the "In Case of Accident" number on your phone in advance for easy access.
Step 3. Provide as much information as possible to your insurance company
The agent may go over a list of information they need about the accident, such as the names, addresses, and insurance information of everyone involved. Tell the agent about the photos and notes you took at the scene and ask how they would like you to give that information to the insurance company.
- If you have asked for a copy of the police report, tell your agent about that as well. You may wish to receive an additional copy for your records.
- Make copies of all your proofs and documents before submitting them to the insurance company. So you too can have access to that information.
Step 4. Work with your insurance company to see the best way to repair your car
The agent can tell you how many repairs you will be personally responsible for and what you can expect the company to pay. Ask the agent if there is a particular service or repair company that you should use for damages.