Six Steps to Take After a Car Accident

1. Check for injuries after a car accident

First thing! Check yourself for injuries after a car accident. You may be in a bit of shock, but it’s important that you call 911 if you have sustained any injuries and try not to move if seriously injured. If you’re able to check on your passengers or any other parties of the accident, you should do that next and call 911 for them as needed.

2. Get yourself to safety

If your car is safe to drive and is causing a hazard where it is, pull to the side of the road, turn off your engine, turn on your hazard lights, use road flares to warn other vehicles to slow down and get yourself to safety. If your car is not safe to drive, leave it where it is and get yourself to safety, again, using tools at your disposal to warn other vehicles.

3. Call the Police

Whether an accident is considered a minor fender-bender or a major collision, call the police. The responding officers will fill out an accident report and document the scene. If the police can’t come to the scene of the accident, you can go to the nearest police station and complete a report yourself.

4. Exchange information

If all parties are able to communicate, it is important that you exchange contact and insurance information. The most important information you should exchange after an accident is:

• Full name and contact information
• Insurance company and policy number
• Drivers license and license plate number
• Type, color, and model of vehicle
• Location of accident

Just share information; do not discuss who’s at fault for the accident. Once you contact your insurance company, the adjuster will be the one who determines who is at fault based on documentation they receive.

5. Document the accident if you can

Be sure to get the contact information from the officers when they arrive at the scene; if you need a police report, this will making getting one easier. Make sure you take photos of your vehicle from varying angles and capture damage done to all cars involved and the license plates of any other cars involved. If there are any passengers or witnesses, be sure to get their information including names, addresses and phone numbers.

6. Contact EC Cooper

Call EC Cooper, Inc as soon as possible, even from the scene of the accident. They will tell you exactly what they will need to in order to process your claim and what to expect during the claims process. If your vehicle is damaged, your insurer can arrange to have it towed directly to a certified body shop.

We know car accidents are scary and you may not remember to take every step. That is why you need to be insured by a team you trust. Call E.C. Cooper Insurance Agency for a quote on your auto insurance. After a claim, it will feel good to have their experienced agents working for you.