What to Do After a Car Accident

Even a minor car accident can be a scary situation. When the unexpected happens, it can be difficult to think clearly. That is why it is beneficial to know what to do after a car accident so you are prepared in the event of a collision. In this guide from Basil Resale Sheridan, we discuss what to do after a car accident as well as how to file a car insurance claim.

What to Do After a Car Accident Checklist

Minor Accidents

A minor car accident in Amherst could be a fender-bender at an intersection or when someone backs into your car in a crowded Williamsville parking lot. When a minor car accident occurs, follow the checklist below:

1. The first step should always be to see if you or your passenger need medical attention. Call an ambulance if anyone is hurt.
2. If you are in stable condition, pull your vehicle over to safety. Don’t travel too far from the scene of the accident, but make sure you are in a safe area that is not blocking traffic.
3. Call the police. You always want to have an official report documented, and your insurance company may actually require it when making a claim.
4. Exchange contact information. Exchange phone numbers, email addresses, and the insurance policy information of the other driver(s) involved. You should also take a photo of everyone’s driver’s licenses, license plate numbers, and insurance cards. Don’t forget to get the contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
5. Document your vehicle’s damage. Get detailed photos of any damage to your vehicle as well as the damage to the other vehicle(s) involved. If you can get a photo of the accident scene, it is also beneficial to do so.
6. Call your insurance provider. Let them know about the accident as soon as possible so that the car accident insurance claim process can begin right away.

Major Accidents

You may also be wondering what to do after a car accident that is more serious. The steps for a major accident vary a bit from those listed above.

• Call 911 right away. Call 911 right away or have someone do it for you if you are unable to do so. When the ambulance arrives, it is likely that police will also arrive on the scene to assess the damage. If you need immediate medical attention and do not have the ability to document the accident, the police will likely gather the information you need.However, it is good to follow up with the police when you can to make sure you have all or the necessary information you need to file a car accident insurance claim.
• Contact your insurance provider. Someone may have filed a claim on your behalf while you were receiving medical attention. It is a good idea to still follow up with your insurance provider to ensure they have the information necessary to properly compensate those involved.
• Follow up with your physician. If you require further medical attention after the accident, you should visit your regular physician.

How to File a Car Insurance Claim

Wondering how to file a car insurance claim? While the steps can vary slightly depending on your provider, you will need to provide the information listed below:

• Your insurance policy number
• Detailed description of how the accident 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 applicable)

Once you have sent your insurance company all of the information they need, an insurance adjuster will evaluate your vehicle and provide an estimate of the damage and your coverage. If the adjuster is not able to make a proper assessment from the photos you sent over, an in-person evaluation may be necessary.

Let Basil Resale Sheridan Help You Get Back on the Road

If your vehicle was involved in an accident near Clarence or Buffalo, you can trust the team at Basil Resale Sheridan to get your vehicle performing at its best once again. Set up an appointment with our collision center today. You can also contact us for more information.