What to Do if You've Been in a Car Accident

Accidents happen. And, unfortunately, they can’t always be avoided – which is why it’s important to be prepared and know what to do if you find yourself in one. Below are a few tips for preparation and important knowledge that may help to alleviate accident-related stresses, reduce injuries, and may sometimes even save lives.

Preparation is key.

Make sure you have all your driving documents handy and up to date. You should always drive with your license, registration, and insurance card in your vehicle and keep them current. If you’re in an accident, you may need these items for the police report or to exchange information.

After the accident:

1. Check for injuries. First things first, make sure that you and those around you weren’t seriously injured. Accidents can be stressful but try to remain calm and stay in control of the situation.
   
   
2. Get out of harms way. If you’re not seriously injured and your car is still drivable, you should carefully move it to the side of the road where it’s safe, while still remaining at the scene, to help avoid other oncoming traffic.
   
   
3. Report the accident to the police. Call 911 to report the accident and wait for the police to arrive. You should file a police report, answer any questions they may have, and describe exactly how the accident occurred. Request a copy of the report so you can provide it if you need to a claim to your insurance company.
   
   
4. Exchange important information. If you were in an accident involving one or more vehicles, collect important information, such as their name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, and registration. You may also want to take photos of the accident so you can refer back to them if needed.
   
   
5. Consider filing a claim. If the damage to your car is significant, you may want to consider filing a claim with your car insurance company. It’s important to contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to let them know an accident occurred.

Accidents can be stressful and sometimes can even be scary. You can’t always be fully prepared for an accident, but it certainly can help to know what to do if you’re ever in one.

This information is provided solely as an insurance risk management tool. It is provided with the understanding that the member insurance companies of the Utica National Insurance Group are not providing legal advice, or any other professional services or advice. Utica shall have no liability to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damages alleged to have been caused, directly or indirectly, by the use of this information. You are encouraged to consult an attorney or other professional for advice on these issues.

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