Prepare and Take Care: How To Handle a Road Accident

Before –
Keep it together after a crash by preparing before an accident occurs. Three easy steps to doing so are:

• Assembling an accident kit for your car – keep it in your trunk. Include a first aid kit, warning reflectors, a pen and paper for notes, a disposable camera (if your cell phone is not equipped with a camera), warm blankets to fend off cold temperatures if necessary, and medical alert cards for any family member with allergies, epilepsy, diabetes, or any other medical conditions.
• Order our free 10 Minutes, 10 Hours wallet card here and keep one in your wallet, handbag or glove box.
• Download and print What to Do When You Are Involved in a Car Crash from the National Safety Council.

• Stay calm – assess the health and safety of yourself and your passengers.
• Call 9-1-1 immediately if you or anyone else in your car is injured.
• Get out of harm’s way – if property damage is minor and you can do so safely, move cars and people out of traffic.
• Turn hazard lights on to warn other drivers.
• Exit your vehicle safely and check on the drivers and passengers in other vehicles for injuries. Make sure help is on the way, if necessary.
• Call police even if the accident is minor and there are no injuries. Don’t leave until they arrive.
• Be polite, don’t blame others, and don’t admit fault.
• Take pictures if you have a camera and it’s safe to do so.
• Exchange information with other drivers: name, address, phone number, license plate number, driver’s license number and insurance company details.
• Ask witnesses for names, phone numbers and addresses.

• Within the first 10 hours after an accident, record all necessary details ASAP to protect your interests.
• Secure vehicle for transport; remove valuables or other personal items.
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible if you were injured, even if you think your injuries are minor.
• Write notes for your records on everything about the accident, including weather, time, location, statements made, etc.
• Contact your insurance agent.
• Revisit the accident scene and take photos. Look for skid marks or anything else that seems important.
• Photograph your injuries if they are visible.
• Obtain police reports as soon as they are available.
• Evaluate damage to your car and get repair estimates.
• Contact your employer if you cannot work.

• If you are injured and/or there is extensive property damage.
• Before providing any information to an adjuster from another driver’s insurance company.
• If anyone is pressuring you into a quick settlement.
• Before the time period allowed for filing a claim (called the statute of limitations) expires