What to do if you are involved in a automobile accident

At the time of an auto accident it is important to follow some basic rules to assure that both your health and rights are protected. The following information is presented as a guide, which we have also provided in a printer-friendly format.

• First and foremost, stay calm.
• Check to see if anyone needs medical assistance.
• For safety reasons, everyone should move away from the vehicles and reasonable steps should be taken to warn other motorists of potential hazards, such as lighting flares or putting out cones.
• Call the police and/or relevant authorities immediately.

Your insurance claim can be processed more rapidly if you collect as much information as possible at the scene of the accident. While much of this may be duplicated by a police report, having the information yourself can expedite the claims process. It is very helpful if you can obtain:

• Name, current address, driver's license number and home/work telephone number of the other driver(s) of the other vehicle(s) involved.
• Insurance information for both the operator(s) and the owner(s) of the other vehicle(s), including the name of the insurance company, insurance agency, policy number and policyholder's name. In some states, the law requires that evidence of insurance must be carried.
• Name, current address and home/work telephone number of passengers in any vehicle involved.
• Name, current address and home/work telephone number of any witnesses who observed the accident.
• The make, model, color and license plate number of all vehicles involved, as well as the damage to each. You may even want to carry a disposable camera in your car at all times to get photos in the event of an accident.
• The name of the police department/authority that reports to the scene and their report number, if a report is completed.
• The street names of where the accident happened.

As soon as you get home or to a place of safety, write down everything you remember about the accident, who did what, were there signals/horns used and anything else you can remember. As time passes, the specifics will be harder to remember so do this while the event is fresh in your mind.

You should fully cooperate with the authorities and truthfully answer their questions; however, in general, it is recommended that you not discuss with the other parties involved how the accident occurred.

It is important to notify us as soon as possible following an accident. We are here to assist you and the sooner you contact us the quicker we can begin the steps to process your claim or answer your questions. You can initiate your claim online or call us directly at 1 800 685 9551.

Request a no-obligation quote for auto insurance policy.

See also:

• The flip side of riding high in SUVs
• Coverage to accompany a company car
• Will declining eyesight keep you from driving
• How to prevent car theft

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