What to Do After a Car Accident

Immediately after a car accident, no matter if it’s major or minor, you’re probably extremely shaken up. It might be hard to think about next steps in the heat of the moment, so we’ve put together a handy guide with simple steps you can and should take. We’ve divided the guide into major and minor accidents so you know what to do no matter what, and included some helpful information about how to file a car insurance claim. Whether you’re recovering from an accident or just looking to feel safer the next time you hit the streets of Louisville, KY, this guide will give you everything you need to know on what to do after a car accident.

What to Do After a Car Accident Checklist

Minor Accidents

Minor accidents can range from an intersection fender-bender to getting rear-ended in a parking lot or at a stoplight in Russel Springs, KY. Here are some things you should always do after a minor accident:

1. Check to see if you or your passengers need medical attention. People can be injured even in minor accidents. If so, call an ambulance immediately.
2. If you’re in stable condition, pull your vehicle over to a safe spot. Stay near the scene of the accident but get to a place where you aren’t obstructing traffic.
3. Call the police. You should always call the police after an accident to have an official report taken – your insurance company might require it for you to file a claim.
4. Exchange contact information with the other driver. You’ll want to exchange phone numbers, email addresses, and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Also make sure you get a photo of everyone’s driver’s licenses, license plate numbers, and insurance cards. You’ll also want to see if there were any outside witnesses to the accident – if so, get their contact information as well. 
5. Document your vehicle’s damage. Take as many detailed photos as you can of both vehicles, and the scene of the accident.
6. Call your insurance provider. The claims process can’t begin until you contact your insurance provider and give them the details of the accident.

Major Accidents

Major accidents are much more serious than minor accidents, and can result in injuries or even fatalities for those involved. Therefore, the steps you take in the aftermath are different than those for a minor accident:

• Call 911 right away. A major car accident almost always results in some kind of injury, so you’ll want to alert emergency personnel immediately. The police should arrive on the scene along with an ambulance.
• Contact your insurance provider. Always follow up with your insurance provider, even if someone close to you already spoke to them while you were receiving medical attention. You’ll want to give them as much information about the scene of the accident as possible so everyone can be properly compensated.
• Follow up with your physician. Make regular follow-up visits with your physicians after being treated by EMTs, just to make sure you’re recovering properly.

How to File a Car Accident Insurance Claim

After an accident, you’ll want to file a claim with your insurance provider so they can cover any medical or repair costs. This is a straightforward process that differs slightly between providers, but nonetheless has the same basic steps. When you file a claim, be sure to have the following on hand to provide:

• Your insurance policy number
• Detailed description of the accident and how it occurred
• Date, time, and location of the accident
• All the collected contact and insurance information from other involved parties
• Name of the police department involved, as well as the police report number if a report was filed

After providing the necessary information, your vehicle will be evaluated by an insurance adjuster, whose job it is to estimate the cost of coverage, repairs, and more. It may either be evaluated via photos and a police report, or in person by the adjuster.

Let Don Franklin Auto Help You Get Back on the Road

If you need repairs done on your vehicle following an accident, look no further than Don Franklin Auto’s service center! We’ll get you back out on the Somerset, KY roads in no time. We also have a full-service parts department that can replace or upgrade any parts that were damaged in the accident. If you have any questions about what to do after a car accident or how to file a car insurance claim, feel free to contact our office anytime.