You were in a car accident. Here a few steps to follow:
1) Call the police. Never try to handle the accident with the other driver. The police will file a report. This report is often the most important document in determining who caused the car accident. In addition, the police can get an ambulance to the scene quickly in case anyone was injured.
2) Be careful when speaking with the other driver. Be extremely careful about what you say to the other driver concerning how the accident was caused or whether you were injured or others were injured. Of course, you will speak and cooperate with the police but do so outside the presence of the other driver.
3) Gather information. If you do not require medical attention, then look for eyewitnesses such as passengers and bystanders (make sure to get their names and contact information), jot down your observations about the weather and traffic conditions, take pictures of the accident scene (including the damage to your vehicle and the other vehicle) and get the name and insurance information of the other driver.
4) Call your insurance carrier. Provide them with all the information you have about the accident. They will usually ask some basic information about how the accident occurred and whether there were injuries. Let them know the police were called and provide them with the police report number.
5) Seek medical treatment. Obviously, this only applies if you were injured. But if you were, the sooner you seek treatment the better. Some folks take a “grin and bear it” approach. They believe the pain will simply subside over time. Insurance companies however will view your lack of immediate treatment as evidence that you were not that seriously injured. This may compromise your claim for compensation.
6) Get a copy of the police report. The report will generally be available within three to five business days. Look it over. Make sure it’s accurate. If its not ask to speak to the responding officer to correct the report. If information is missing, ask to supplement the report. Keep a copy for your records.
7) Follow up with your insurance company. Every 30 days or so call your insurance company (some companies allow you to track the status online). You will likely deal with two different insurance adjusters: one for property damage to the vehicle and a second adjuster for any claims of personal injury. Provide them with updates as necessary.