If you are able, take photos to document the circumstances of the accident.
Your first instinct after a car accident may be to call for help. Do you have any plans for what’s next? Being proactive in your response can help keep you, your passengers and your property safe while simplifying the process of filing an insurance claim.
Ensure safety
- Consider moving your vehicle to the shoulder or side of the road to prevent further damage.
- Stand at a safe distance from traffic and if vehicles are heavily damaged, maintain distance to avoid unsafe situations such as car fires or explosions.
- Activate your hazard lights and immediately place safety flares or signs to warn other drivers.
- Contact the police or make sure they are notified if you cannot call yourself.
- For injuries, contact medical help and wait for their arrival. Do not give first aid unless qualified to do so.
Keep your composure
- keep calm Keep a clear mind and focus on your safety and gathering relevant information. If you drive a company-owned vehicle, follow your company’s reporting procedures as soon as possible.
- Be polite but avoid accepting responsibility or apologizing for anything. It is best to speak only to a police officer when making a statement about an accident.
- Don’t argue. The situation can escalate quickly. It is best to review the circumstances surrounding the accident with the police officer present.
Collect information
- If possible, collect the contact information of the responding officer. Record their name, department, badge number and incident report number.
- When appropriate, request contact information from other involved insured drivers, including name, phone number and vehicle license plate number. If a company vehicle is involved, record the employer’s name.
- Provide only necessary contact information to others involved in the accident; First and last name, phone number and insurance carrier should be sufficient. Scammers sometimes use auto accidents as a way to collect personal information for identity theft.
- Collect information from any passengers or witnesses and request that they remain at the scene of the accident until the police arrive. Passengers and witnesses can often recount important details or circumstances that can help the report.
Note the surrounding circumstances
- Take in your surroundings and make notes for your own future reference. If possible, take a few photos to support your observations. Keep a copy of our brochure in your glovebox (PDF 416k) to help you record details after an accident.
- Note contributing factors such as inclement weather, hazardous road conditions, visual obstructions or faulty traffic signals.
- Note any observed injuries to persons involved in the accident and describe additional collateral damage to vehicles or property.
It is most helpful to note down the details sooner rather than later. Gathering detailed information after your accident can help provide a clear and concise description of potential investigative needs and your agent.
This loss control information is advisory only. The author assumes no responsibility for the management or control of loss control activities. Not all exposures are identified in this article. Contact your local, independent agent for insurance coverage advice and loss control information. Neither Cincinnati Insurance Company nor its affiliates or representatives provide legal advice. Consult with your attorney about your specific situation.