Tips and Advice

What to Know if You are in an Accident

According to the National Safety Council, one in every eight drivers will be involved in a motor vehicle accident this year. That may mean you! Are you prepared? Would you know what to do and what questions to ask?

Be Prepared

Always keep your insurance company's claim service card with your agent's name and phone number, and your policy identification number in your glove box. Also store the name and number of a trusted towing and collision repair company in your vehicle.

Steps to Remember

If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident you’ll want to do the following if possible:

  • Stop your vehicle if it is clear, safe and legal.
  • Move the vehicle out of the roadway, if it is clear, safe and legal. (In some states it is against the law to move the vehicle from the place where the accident occurred.)
  • Turn off the ignitions of the cars involved.
  • Make a first aid check of all persons involved in the accident.
  • Call the police and, if necessary, emergency medical services.
  • Mark the scene of the accident with flares or reflector triangles.
  • Make notes describing the accident, the vehicles involved, their approximate speeds, the setting, the weather, traffic signs and signals, and the road conditions.
  • Take photographs if possible or draw a simple diagram of the roads and the accident.
  • Make sure you get the name of the other driver and his or her address, work and home telephone numbers, license plate number and state, license number, insurance company name and policy number and the telephone number of his or her insurance agent.
  • Do not discuss "fault" or make statements about the accident to anyone but the police.
  • Don't tell others involved in the accident how much liability insurance you carry.
  • Gather the names of all persons in the motor vehicles and people who witnessed the accident.
  • Notify your insurance company or agent. Do it as soon as possible even if you're far from home and even if someone else caused the accident. Ask your agent how to proceed and what forms or documents will be needed to support your claim. Be familiar with your insurance company's policy regarding pre-inspections.
  • Get a copy of the police report of the accident from the local precinct.
  • Whatever you send to the Insurance Company, make sure that you send it Certified/Return Receipt Requested. Make copies of everything for yourself. If the Insurance Company sends you forms to complete, do it in a timely manner.
  • Don't accept offers to settle for payment on the spot without thinking about it carefully. You may be held liable later for the same damages.
  • Call a reputable towing and auto collision repair company.