1. Safety First

• If the car accident is minor, move vehicles out of traffic to a safe place.
• Shift into park, turn off your vehicle, and turn on the hazard lights.
• Use cones, warning triangles, or flares for added safety, if you have them.

2. Get Help

• Check for injuries; call an ambulance when in doubt.
• Call the police, even if the accident is minor. A police report can be invaluable to the claim process and help establish who’s at fault.

3. Collect Information

• Gather information from others involved in the accident.
  • Drivers and passengers: names and contact information.
  • Vehicle descriptions (make, model, year).
  • Driver’s license numbers – License plate numbers.
  • Insurance companies and policy numbers.
  • Eyewitnesses: names and contact information.
  • Accident scene location and/or address.
  • Police officer’s name and badge number.
• Take photos of all vehicles involved and the accident scene, if it is safe to do so.
• Do not sign any document unless it’s for the police or your insurance agent.
• Be polite, but don’t tell anyone the accident was your fault, even if you think it was.

4. File a Claim

Notify your insurance agent as soon as possible.