How to React After a Car Accident

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Step 1

Stay at the scene of the car accident

Remain at the Car Accident Scene
Stay at the scene of the auto accident. Leaving could result in a traffic ticket, or worse if someone is hurt. If you are obstructing traffic, pull off the road if it is safe to do so. To prevent further auto accidents, use your hazard lights, and use a flare at night for more visibility.
Step 2

Look around, and check for injuries

Check for Injuries
Check for injuries, including in the other vehicles involved in the car crash. If anyone is injured call 911, and try to record the injuries too so you can report them later. Help an injured party if you can safely, but remain in your car if it is the safest place to be.
Step 3

Whoa! React with caution! Keep as calm as you can.

Keep Calm
Even a minor auto accident can rattle you and make you frustrated at yourself, or at that reckless speedster, but becoming angry doesn't help. React with caution. Never start a fistfight, or exchange cruel words. The auto accident has already happened, and bad temper could result in worse consequences for you. Stay calm to help others, and to catalog details for the police and insurance companies.
Step 4

Call the Police
Call the police after any car accident, even minor low impact collisions. Police may not come to the accident scene if there are no injuries, but you may need to fill out a police report, which can help your auto insurance claim. If so, document the assisting officer's name for your records.
Step 5

Gather auto insurance and other important information

Gather Information
In any auto accident, remember to exchange names, phone numbers, addresses, car insurance phone numbers and policy information with the other driver (s) involved in the crash. If possible, write down the driver's license number, car license plate number, make/model and color of car too, and verify who was driving and if there were passengers in the vehicle. Details are important for verification. Try to get the license plate immediately, in case you have a hit-and-run situation. Note if the party at fault admits their mistake too.
Step 6

Consult Witnesses
Try to get names and numbers of at least two witnesses to the car accident. Ask them what they saw and write it down. Their accounts help confirm what happened.
Step 7

Log Damages and Injuries
Aside from noting who was injured and how, inspect your car's damages as well as the other car's damages if it is safe. If you have a cell phone, take pictures. It is easy to forget details after a car accident, and though you will want to leave immediately to de-stress, logging damages and injuries right away helps your claim, and helps prevent fraudulent reports.
Step 8

Where did the auto accident occur?

Identify the Location
Write down exactly where the auto accident occurred. A highway? An intersection? What was the speed limit? Being aware of your surroundings helps you paint the most accurate picture of the situation surrounding the car accident. This can help substantiate your claim, and along with witnesses, can help identify who was at fault.
Step 9

It may be hard, but recording the car accident details is crucial

Record the Car Accident Details
After such a traumatic experience, recalling exactly how the car crash occurred might be difficult at first. That's to be expected. Tell what you can recall for the police report, and then write down every detail. If you remember more when you're calmer later, write it down. Was anyone speeding? Was visibility an issue? Were pedestrians or bicyclists involved? What time was it? Where were you headed? Who was at fault?
Step 10

Inform your Auto Insurance

Call the Auto Insurance
Finally, using your notes, report the car accident to your car insurance company as soon as you are safe and calm. You may need to call the other driver's car insurance too, and report the exact same information. Keep track of claim numbers and representative names to help the time consuming process of dealing with auto insurance claims go a little smoother.

You will need to provide a recorded account of the car accident for the auto insurance companies too. Do this only when you are calm. This is their catalogued account of what happened. If any legal action is needed, your testimony on this recording will be vital.
Step 11

Hopefully you won't be in another car accident, but it's better to be prepared just in case.

Make a Quick Reference Guide
Keep a notebook and a pen in your glove compartment. Inside, keep your auto insurance information, registration, emergency numbers, and a helpful reference guide of the above pointers. Being prepared will help you react in the best possible manner in case of a future car accident.