What To Do After A Car Accident: A Step-By-Step Guide

When you get into a car accident, there are certain steps you may want to take in order to help make sure everyone is safe, to follow the law and to get the insurance claim process started.

According to the  Insurance Information Institute (III) , the following steps may help guide you through important decisions you need to make if you've been in a car accident, whether you were at fault for the accident or not.

QUALITY AUTO COVERAGE STARTS HERE.

STEP 1: CHECK YOURSELF FOR INJURIES.

STEP 2: CHECK ON THE WELL-BEING OF YOUR PASSENGERS.

STEP 3: GET TO SAFETY.

STEP 4: CALL 911.

STEP 5: WAIT FOR HELP.

STEP 6: EXCHANGE INFORMATION.

After making sure you and any passengers are uninjured, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. According to the III, here's the most important information drivers should exchange after an accident:

• Full name and contact information
• Insurance company and policy number
• Driver's license and license plate number
• Type, color and model of vehicle
• Location of accident

The III recommends that you avoid discussing fault when going over the facts with the other driver. 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 any supporting documentation, like the police report or photographs from the scene.

STEP 7: DOCUMENT THE ACCIDENT.

• Identify the officers.
  Once the police arrive, get the name and badge number of all responding officers.
• Get a copy.
  Ask the police officers present where you can obtain a copy of the accident report. Your insurer may ask for a copy of the report when you file a car insurance claim.
• Take pictures.
  Document the accident thoroughly by taking pictures of your vehicle from different angles, showing the damage done to both cars. It might also be a good idea to take pictures of the other car's license plate. You may be able to share photos with your insurer during the claims process to help support your claim.
• Take down names.
  Write down the names and addresses of all parties involved, including any passengers in the other vehicle.
• Talk to witnesses.
  If there were any witnesses to the accident, take down their names and their contact information, as well.

STEP 8: NOTIFY YOUR INSURER AND START THE CLAIMS PROCESS.

You may want to call your insurance agent while you're at the scene. That way, they can tell you exactly what they will need to in order to process your claim and what to expect during the claims process.

An accident can leave even the most seasoned driver frazzled, but following these steps may help protect you from unnecessary worries. That way, you can focus on working with your insurance company to get your vehicle repaired as smoothly and as quickly as possible.