How to Handle an Automotive Accident

Getting into a car accident can be extremely stressful, but it’s important to stay calm and focused to ensure everyone involved in the accident is safe, while also following the law. Following these steps will also help to get your insurance claim process started and get you back on the road.

1. STOP

NEVER drive away from the scene of an accident, even if it’s a minor one with no one else involved. If a person leaves the scene of an accident, even if he or she was not at fault, the person may face a variety of criminal charges. If a driver is found responsible for the accident, they can face even more serious charges. In many states, it’s considered a misdemeanor to hit and run if the accident resulted in only property damage (damage to the vehicle) and no physical injuries. This could require the hit-and-run driver to pay fines and/or serve jail time up to one year. In cases in which the other driver or the hit and run driver’s passengers were hurt or killed, punishments are usually much more severe with much higher fines, a revocation of their driver’s license and a longer period of incarceration. If the accident resulted in death, all states consider it a felony for a person to flee the scene of the accident.

Montana law requires that any driver that knows or should have reasonably known that an accident has occurred involving a person, object, or vehicle must immediately stop their vehicle at the scene as close as safely possible. The driver then has the duty to render aid, and provide information to the other party. Failing to fulfill either of these requirements before leaving the scene carries stiff penalties if convicted as a hit-and-run driver.

2. CALL FOR HELP

After safely stopping your vehicle, check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone has sustained an injury, dial 911 for emergency services to come assist as soon as possible. If you as the driver are injured, try not to move and if you are not able to call for help, try to ask someone else nearby to. When in doubt, call an ambulance.

After ensuring everyone is okay or getting the help they need, your next step is to call the police. Whether the accident is a minor fender-bender or a major collision, calling the police is extremely important – and in some states, legally required. 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. This step is also very important to your insurance claim process. When you file a claim with your insurer, they may ask for a copy of the police report to help determine who was at fault and how your claim will be processed.

3. GET YOUR VEHICLE TO A SAFE PLACE

If the accident was minor and you’re able to move your vehicle, consider moving it to the side of the road if it’s disturbing the flow of traffic. However, if you or your vehicle have sustained major damage, leave it where it is and get yourself to safety. Shift your car into park, turn off your vehicle, and turn on your hazard lights.

If you are able, use cones, warning triangle, or flares for added safety. Taking the time for these steps can help keep others on the road safe and prevent an even worse accident.

4. EXCHANGE INFORMATION

Once you’ve made sure everyone involved in the accident is okay and passerby’s on the road are safe to pass, you should exchange information with the driver(s) of the other vehicle(s), if your accident involved multiple vehicles. The most important information drivers should collect after an accident are:

• Full name and contact information

• Insurance company and policy number

• Driver’s license and license plate number  

• A description of the other vehicle(s) (Make, model, year, color)

• Location of the accident

• Names and contact information of any eyewitnesses

• Take photos of the scene and vehicles from multiple angles

• Police officer’s name and badge number

• Ask for a copy of the report

It’s recommended that you avoid discussing fault when going over the facts with the other driver(s). When you file an insurance claim, the adjuster reviewing your claim will determine who’s at fault based on an inspection of the vehicles/property damaged, information provided by you and the other parties involved in the accident, and nay supporting documentation, like the police report or photographs of the scene. Ask the responding officers at the scene where you can obtain a copy of the accident report. Usually, they will provide all drivers with a police report number you can use to later obtain the police report. If the accident occurs on a state highway, you must request the report from the state police.

5. FILE A CLAIM

The claims process can take some time and it’s best to get the process started as soon as possible. You may want to call your insurance agent while you’re still at the scene of the accident. That way, they can tell you what exactly they will need to process your claim, and they can also explain what to expect during the claims process. Many insurance policies require immediate reporting and full cooperation. You pay extra for that type of coverage – known as “medpay” – so you should use it. In fact, if you have medpay coverage, you are required to submit your accident-related medical bills to your insurance company.

6. KEEP A FILE

You should keep all your accident-related documents and information together in a protected file. This information should include the claim number, the claim’s adjuster who is handling the claim, names and phone numbers of all contacts, receipts for a rental car and other expenses incurred as a result of the accident.

Whether it’s caused by a distracted driver or external forces, a car accident can leave even the best drivers feeling stressed and frazzled. However, if you follow the steps in this guide, you may be protecting yourself from unnecessary worries. That way you can focus on recovering from the accident and getting your claim processed as smoothly and quickly as possible. If your vehicle is in need of repairs, you can schedule an appointment with the master technicians at Taylor’s Auto Max’s service department, or take a look at Taylor’s Auto Max’s new and used car inventory!

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