Being involved in a car accident can be a very trying situation. Even if you come out of the trauma unscathed, what do you do first? How do you proceed with making sure you and everyone involved is okay, then getting your vehicle examined? When do you get insurance companies involved?
We’ve provided this handy car accident checklist to make preparing in the event of an accident a little bit easier. If you’re in Brockton, Randolph, or Stoughton, MA, Collision 24 is here to help with all of your automotive repair needs.
Right After the Accident Happens
- First things first: keep yourself safe. If there is a risk of injury, or if you might be in risk of injury by moving, stay inside your car. If everyone is uninjured but the cars are blocking traffic, move them to a safe location. Determine whether anyone is injured, and do not flee the scene!
- Call 911 to report the scene and, if needed, get help sent to you. The police will likely give you instructions—follow them.
- Call the car insurance provider, and follow their instructions as well. If possible, request your insurer send a tow truck.
Gather the Correct Information
- Be sure to never admit fault. If you do, you will be admitting liability for the accident and may be responsible for paying damages. That being said, try your best to be courteous and polite; everyone here is under stress, no matter who was at fault in the accident.
- Take down the information (name and insurance company) of every other driver. Unless they do not provide an insurance company, do not ask for contact information. Alternatively, do not offer your own contact information—just your name and insurance provider.
- If there are any witnesses that were not directly involved in the accident, get their names and contact info.
Document What Happened
Take photos with your smartphone, if possible, of the following:
- Vehicle license plates
- Damage done to each vehicle & property involved, if applicable
- Debris, fallen branches, skid marks, and other pieces of evidence
- Location markers (e.g. street signs)
- Miscellaneous contributing factors (e.g. traffic signs that were obscured)
Write down:
- Date, time of the accident
- Conditions of traffic & weather
- Description of the injuries, damage, and accident itself
- Police/emergency involvement details
After an Accident
After you’ve documented the scene and moved on from the accident, you should speak more in depth with your insurance company representative. Make sure that you’ve documented anything that might later be useful information to have, including even the names of the police officers that arrived on the scene. You should also get a copy of an accident or incident report from the police station or other involved drivers, which should help when you attempt to settle your claim. Follow whatever instructions your insurance agent gives to you. Also, keep any notable records—receipts for transportation, parking, repairs, etc.—as they will be assessed as part of your damages.
Keep a Car Accident Checklist with You
Since being involved in a car accident is so stressful, keeping a car accident checklist in your car at all times is a good idea so that you proceed the correct way in the event of an accident. If your car has been damaged in Randolph, Brockton or Stoughton, MA, give Collision 24 a call today or schedule an appointment online today.