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Step 1
Call the police or emergency services, as needed. If the accident occurred during the commission of a crime, an officer can take down the pertinent information for a police report. If you are hurt, emergency medical workers can treat you on the scene and transport you to a hospital via ambulance for further treatment.
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Step 2
Write down what happened. Document everything you can remember about how the accident occurred, including the time and date. For instance, if you tripped and fell, note if the stairs were slippery or if the handrails were missing. For a car accident, jot down the direction you were traveling in, your speed, the direction of the other vehicle, the point of collision and the road conditions at the time.
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Step 3
Take pictures of the incident. Having photographic evidence of the accident can properly indicate how much damage occurred and help the insurance company to process your claim correctly. Take photos of any missing traffic signs, damage to the vehicles involved and any visible injuries to your person, if evident.
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Step 4
Get the insurance company's phone number. It's usually on the back of your automotive or medical card. You'll need it to inform them about what happened, the time and date of the accident, and whether you are seeking medical treatment. Some medical procedures need to be approved in advance by the insurance company.
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Step 5
Notify the insurance company in a timely manner. Some companies ask to be informed about an accident within 48 hours or less. As soon as you are able to, barring severe injuries that need immediate medical treatment, call the insurer to report the accident and receive further information about claims processing.
