What to do after an accident

Uh oh. You’ve been in an accident. Now what? Unsettling as it is, it’s important for you to be aware of your rights and responsibilities.

At the scene of the accident:

You must always call the police if any of the following happened:

• Anyone has been injured or killed.
• The apparent combined damage is $2,000 or more.
• One of the drivers has committed an offense.
• A traffic-control device or other public property has been damaged.

If the damage was not sufficient enough to call the police, begin filling out a collision report form and include the following information:

• Get the license number, make, model and year of the other car.
• Get the names and contact information (including addresses) of any witnesses.
• Write down your description of the accident while the details are still fresh in your mind.
• If you can, take as many pictures of the scene and damage as possible.

What to do next:

Report the accident to the police. Make a note of the accident file number they assign you.

Regardless of which driver is at fault, call your insurance company or agent. Your accident file will be assigned to an insurance adjuster who will ask you to give an accident report.

Now would be the appropriate time to contact us or use our mobile app to start the process.