Car accidents, even small fender-benders, can be scary. Major accidents can be even more dangerous, and dealing with insurance afterward can draw out the difficulties. Whether you were at fault or not, it's important to follow key steps to address issues and ensure your and others' safety after an accident. Ideally, you'll already have great insurance to protect you. But before worrying about insurance, here is what to do after a car accident has already happened.
9 Important Steps to Take After a Car Accident
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
While it's easy to panic, trying to move suddenly or force a door open can worsen an injury. Instead, stay calm, carefully check yourself and other passengers, and then decide if you need to call 911.
2. Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention
Next, call 911 and if you can safely move, get out of the vehicle and check with the driver in the other vehicle. It's important to get away from the road and away from other passing vehicles. If someone is injured and cannot move, or you're unsure whether to move, it's best to wait until medical professionals arrive.
3. Contact the Authorities and File a Report
If you didn't need to call 911, now is the time to call the police to file a report. In case of a minor fender-bender, you don't need to file a report. You can just exchange information with the other driver.
4. Exchange Information with the Other Party
Regardless of the seriousness of the accident, you should exchange insurance information and contact information with the other driver. In case of minor damage, you may offer to pay for repairs directly without filing an insurance report. This process could save some costs long-term by preventing an insurance rate hike.
5. Gather Evidence and Witnesses
In case of a serious accident or the possibility of a court case, gathering evidence or witnesses can support your case. Speak with any on-lookers and ask if they would be willing to testify or provide a statement to the insurance company. You can also take photos or a video of the damage and any injuries, as you may need these later for insurance claims.
6. Notify Your Insurance Company as Soon as Possible
As soon as you get home, notify your insurance company of the accident and whether you were at fault or it was the other driver's fault. If you choose not to notify the insurance company, it won't affect your insurance premiums, but you also won't have any coverage for claims; you'll need to pay repairs for the other driver out of pocket.
7. Consult an Attorney (optional)
In case of a serious accident or if you were at fault, it can be worth consulting an attorney. They can suggest appropriate actions to protect yourself and settle claims.
8. Keep Records and Document Expenses
If you pay for repairs, it's important to keep complete records of all expenses, including documentation of the state of damage and professional opinions on the need for repairs.
9. Follow Up and Take Care of Yourself
Depending on the severity of the accident, you may have PTSD or physical injuries that require rehabilitation or need additional care from a chiropractor, physical therapist or doctors. Be gentle with yourself while you recover and get the necessary care. In many cases, your insurance or the other driver's insurance will cover the treatment and care to recover.
Understanding Your Insurance Coverage
What happens after a car accident with insurance? What the insurance will cover depends on the insurance you have and where you live. Learn more about the best car insurance for your situation. The applicable insurance coverage will depend on the state you reside in.
- In fault states, the person at fault for an accident is liable for the damages of anyone injured and requires vehicle repairs.
- In no-fault states, each driver’s car insurance covers their damages.
Here's what would be covered in the following scenarios if you have comprehensive car insurance.
What if You’re at Fault
If you're at fault, your liability insurance coverage will cover damages to the other driver or vehicle. Your comprehensive or collision damage insurance will cover your vehicle and medical care.
What if Another Driver is at Fault
If the other driver is at fault, in fault states, the other driver's insurance will cover your damages and medical care.
Protecting Yourself
The best protection before an accident is adequate insurance coverage. Familiarize yourself with what to do after a car accident and secure the best insurance. Learn the first things to do after being injured in an accident and how to avoid losing money on an insurance claim. Understand how long an at-fault accident stays on your record and take proactive steps to secure insurance and drive safely to reduce risk. Get the right car insurance to offer the greatest protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to get insurance coverage after an accident?
Yes, getting insurance coverage after an accident is possible, but it won’t cover the previous accident.
How do insurance companies assess vehicle damage after an accident?
The insurance company may use a professional assessment or their own assessors to determine vehicle damage. You can also take pictures detailing the damage to your vehicle or bring your car to repair shops for estimates.
How long do you have to file a claim after an accident?
You have two years from the accident date to file claims for injuries and four years to file claims for property damage expenses, like the cost of repairs for your car.
What not to say at the scene of an accident?
Check with a lawyer, but generally, you’ll want to avoid admitting fault before speaking with your lawyer. Admissions of fault include saying things like, “I didn’t see you” or “You came out of nowhere.”
What not to tell your insurance company?
According to most lawyers, you should not admit fault to the insurance company. You should also not say you’re fine until you’ve been checked out by a doctor.
About Alison Plaut
Alison Plaut is a personal finance, business, and insurance writer with a sustainable MBA, passionate about helping people understand insurance choices and financial options to create financial freedom. She has more than 17 years of writing experience, focused on insurance, real estate, business, personal finance, and investing. Her work has been published in The Motley Fool, MoneyLion, and she is a regular contributor for Benzinga.