What to do immediately after a car accident
And why staying safe is the top priority
Even the best drivers can find themselves involved in accidents on the road. If that happens to you, it’s important to remain calm and collected – and follow these four steps.
Step 1: Stop.
Turn on your hazard lights and pull over to the side of the road (if you can do so safely).
Step 2: Check for injuries.
Apply first aid and call 911 if you or anyone else has been injured. Do not attempt to move the victim(s) yourself. Wait for help to arrive.
Step 3: Exit your vehicle if it’s safe to do so.
For both insurance and legal reasons, it’s important to take pictures and record video of the scene, including any damage done to the vehicles involved. You should also take brief notes including the information outlined here.
Call the police if you suspect anyone has been driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (or if you suspect the total damage to all vehicles exceeds $2,000).
Step 4: Report the claim to your insurance company within 24 hours.
If you are insured with Johnson Insurance, you can reach out to us at any time. Our experienced claims staff is available 24/7.
Let your insurer know what happened and ask for next steps. If you didn’t call 911 at the scene of the accident, then it’s important to contact a collision reporting centre instead. They’ll help you fill out a police report and take photos of any damage done to your vehicle.
Get protection that’s built for you
It goes without saying that automobile accidents can be stressful events, which is why it’s so important to remain calm and follow the steps above.
For a complete list of which details should be recorded at the scene of an accident (along with helpful info about getting your vehicle repaired), please read our our guide to collision reporting.
Contact us about car insurance today, and we’ll help you find comprehensive coverage that fits your needs – including available first accident forgiveness. You can start your car insurance quote by clicking here.
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