What To Do If In A Car Accident

From fender benders to major crashes, an accident can leave one shocked and perplexed. So what does one do if they are in a car accident? Do you leave your car in the middle of the road for insurance purposes or move it? People are often in shock when an accident happens and forget to take the necessary steps needed. So if you are in an accident, here are some steps to follow:

1. Stop - Failure to stop after an accident is a felony if someone is injured, if nobody is injured, it is still a misdemeanor.  Of course if somebody is hurt, immediately call 911 and report the accident and leave your vehicles where they are — even if they're blocking traffic.  Practice caution though, be cognizant of approaching vehicles, as well as your own vehicle.  Why leave your vehicle in its place? Law enforcement may need to inspect evidence about the crash for their investigation. By leaving your vehicle where it is — even if it snags traffic — law enforcement officers can try to gauge what happened, as well as determine who might be at fault for the accident. Circumstances, speed and point of impact can all be determined from the evidence at the scene of the accident.

2. Practice Safety - If you're involved in a minor fender bender, such as another car rear-ending you or a car that changes lanes and runs into you, it's probably best to move your cars out of traffic after verifying no one is hurt. Many states have signs along major highways that advise you to move your car off the road after a minor accident.  Once you move your car off the road, continue practicing safety. For instance, if possible, park your car in an area that is easily visible to oncoming cars so you they won't hit you. If you stay in your car, keep your seat belt on at all times. If you get out of your car, try to exit it on the opposite side of passing traffic, even if that means crawling to the passenger side of the car. When standing outside to exchange information or look at the damage, do not stand in front of your car and do not stand with your back to the traffic.

Remember to try to stay as visible as possible. If you have flares, set them and stand as far from your vehicle and passing vehicles as you can.  Remember to keep your distance, even after law enforcement or other help arrives. Other drivers may not be paying attention, which still makes the situation dangerous for you.

If your vehicle can't be moved, keep your seat belt on if you remain in the car, or exit the car when no other vehicles are coming up behind you. At all times, be aware of your surroundings, and remember that help will arrive, so stay calm and don't panic. 

3. Cooperate With The Police - Insist that a police accident report is made when the police arrive; cooperate with the police but do not make admissions or give opinions. If there are any witnesses on your behalf, get their name, address, telephone number and ask them to give a statement to the police officer.  If another vehicle is involved, get the other driver’s name, address, phone number, license number, vehicle registration number and insurance company, and give him or her your corresponding information. Also get the name and address of all other drivers and registered owners of all other vehicles involved in the accident along with license plate numbers, and the state of registration for all other vehicles involved in the accident.  Examine the driver’s license to see if there are any restrictions, which weren’t being followed (such as wearing eyeglasses, for example). If the vehicle is registered to someone else, get that person’s name and address as well. Also, be sure to get the names and badge numbers of the police offices who arrive at the scene. Get a police accident report number when the police officer finishes writing the report.

If you suspect that the other driver has been drinking, insist that you both take a sobriety or breath test.  Write down your recollection of how the accident transpired, including your own traveling speed. Include the time of day, weather conditions, and any hazardous circumstances (such as blind spots). Describe the area, noting exactly where the accident took place. Do this while you’re still at the scene and your impressions are fresh.  

Don’t sign anything unless required to do so by the police. Don’t admit guilt or even shared guilt. Don’t say that your insurance will cover everything, or mention how much coverage that you have.  Ask the police whether you should report the accident yourself, and if so, how and where. You may need to do so if the accident occurred on private property.

4. Call your insurance agent - Let your agent know exactly what happened, along with any evidence that you have. Do not rely on the other person’s promise to pay. Report even small accidents if someone was hurt; the injury could turn out to be more serious than it first appeared. You could risk losing your coverage if you don’t.

5. Keep Track of Expenses - Be sure to keep good records of all expenses associated with the accident, such as lost paychecks or the cost of renting a car while yours is being repaired. In a no-fault state, your insurance company may pick up that tab. In a fault state, the other driver’s insurance company should reimburse you if the accident was his or her fault.
Following these simple steps may save you a lot of time and expense down the road.