Even if it’s a minor collision, being involved in a car crash can be distressing. Regardless of who is at fault, auto accidents mean a lot of hassle for everyone involved, including not just repair costs but potentially medical bills and lost wages.
But there are some steps you can take in the aftermath of a minor accident to keep everyone safe, document vehicle or property damage, and pave the way for a less stressful claims process.
5 things to stay safe after a car accident
In a severe crash, you should always sit tight and wait for help. But in a minor accident, taking the following steps can help keep you and others out of harm’s way.
1: Stay calm and check for injuries
You’ve heard it before but it bears repeating: In the aftermath of a crash, do your best to remain calm.
Check yourself and your passengers (including pets) for any immediately apparent injuries. If it’s clear you or someone in your car requires medical treatment, call 911.
2: Get your vehicle out of the road
Once you’ve determined no one requires immediate medical attention, ensure your car and any other vehicles involved are moved to safety.
Depending on the extent of the physical damage, you may not be able to clear your car from the roadway, but you can turn on your hazard lights to warn other motorists.
3: Move to safety
Encourage all parties involved to clear the road safely, either to the sidewalk or the shoulder of the highway.
Even a minor accident can cause a chaotic crash scene for other drivers, which could result in additional collisions, damage, and injuries.
4: Check on the other driver
Once you, your passengers, and your vehicle are safe, determine if the other driver needs assistance. Call 911 if the driver of the other vehicle seems injured, disoriented, or dangerous.
Depending on the full extent of vehicle damage or injuries, it’s a good idea to exchange contact information or an insurance card with other parties or locate witnesses while you wait for police officers to arrive on the scene.
5: Call the police
Even in minor accidents, it’s advisable to call or text the police. In fact, some states require notifying a police officer of any car accident, although some allow delays of up to 72 hours for reporting of minor collisions.
It’s especially important to contact the police if you’ve been involved in a , as your insurance company will require documentation to process your claim.
What you should (and shouldn’t do) after a minor car accident
In the aftermath of a minor auto accident, it’s normal to feel relieved once the emotional distress subsides. But don’t let the relief that things could have been worse mean you neglect important follow-up tasks.
Here are some things you should do even in a minor car crash to protect yourself and a few common mistakes to avoid.
Do exchange contact and insurance company information
No matter who is at fault in an accident, grabbing insurance information from everyone involved is essential. You can exchange information by jotting it down or snapping a picture with your phone, but make sure to get the following.
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Names, phone number, and contact information
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Insurance company and policy number
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Driver’s license number
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License plate number
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Vehicle description
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Exact location of the accident
If you’re involved in an accident where the other party flees the scene, you may have to gather some of these details from witnesses. If the accident occurs in a , ask for footage from any nearby cameras or dashcams.
Do assess and document damages and injuries
Although your well-being may seem assured, it’s possible the full extent of injuries or damage won’t be clear until hours or days after a car crash.
Even though the police officer files an accident report with key details, you should document as much as you can while on the scene and afterward. Here are a few tips to ensure you capture the full scale of the accident and any vehicle damage with your cellphone.
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Take multiple pictures from several angles. Make sure to catch all four corners of all the cars involved and any leaking fluids.
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Use other objects in the photos for a sense of scale. This is helpful when documenting small dents or scrape marks on panels or fenders.
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If it’s safe to do so and won’t cause a traffic jam, take pictures of the surrounding area. Capture street signs, traffic signals, and any visible evidence like skid marks.
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Snap pictures of any interior damage to your vehicle. This would include shattered glass, deployed airbags, or any damage to personal effects in your car.
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Take photos of injuries, including minor cuts or bruises. Seek out a comprehensive medical exam to document any less obvious injuries related to the accident.
Even in collisions at slow speeds, accident losses and medical expenses can add up. Documenting every detail now, no matter how minor, provides choices about how to handle the claims process later.
Don’t discuss fault or blame
No matter what happened at the scene, admitting guilt or making a deal to pay for the damage out of pocket can be a big mistake. Instead, provide your insurance company with details of the crash and a copy of the accident report and let the insurance adjusters determine fault.
Note that in no-fault states, all drivers are required to carry including to pay medical bills and loss of income related to auto accidents. In at-fault states, the at-fault driver and their insurance provider are required to pick up the tab for an accident.
Don’t forget to follow up with your and the other driver’s insurance company
Even if the at-fault driver’s insurer is required to cover your medical bills and vehicle damage, you should still contact your insurance company in addition to the other driver’s insurer.
Make sure you speak to an insurance agent about whether the driver’s insurer or your own insurance policy will cover other costs related to the accident, such as a .
A step-by-step guide to handling an insurance claim for a minor car accident
Once the police arrive and things start to feel less overwhelming, you may be confused about next steps. Here’s what you should do to report the accident and begin the .
Step 1: Document vehicle damage thoroughly
Before you leave the scene of the accident, be sure to take pictures, collect insurance and contact information, and document motor vehicle damage and injuries.
If you haven’t contacted the police, do so as soon as possible. It’s also advisable to note the badge number of the responding officer in case you need to secure a copy of the accident report for your insurance.
Step 2: Contact your and the other driver’s insurance company
Whether you call from the scene or after you get home, it’s best to contact both insurance providers regardless of fault. This is especially true if your vehicle needs a tow truck and you want it transported to a body shop covered by insurance.
If the other driver , your insurer can help determine how your current coverage and policy limits apply. Typically this would fall under coverage, which is valuable coverage to have and required by some states.
Step 3: Get a copy of the police report
In a fender bender with little to no damage and no injuries, some states don’t require police officers to issue an accident report or even respond to the scene.
Note that say you can still officially report the accident later by going to the police station within a certain timeframe. If you intend to file an auto insurance claim for damage or injuries, it’s advisable to have an accident report.
Step 4: Start a car accident claim file
Even minor crashes generate a major electronic (or literal) paper trail. Gather all the documentation in one spot, either in a file on your computer desktop or print out copies.
If you don’t intend to file a claim, you’ll still want to keep records of medical bills related to the accident, vehicle damage documentation, repair bills, copies of the accident report, communication from insurance companies, and contact information for all parties involved.
Step 5: Follow up with insurance providers
While you might initiate the when you initially contact the insurance company, you’ll want to follow up both a few days and a few weeks later to make sure there haven’t been any changes or updates.
Keep an eye on your for several months and follow up on any increases you weren’t expecting. Auto accidents, even minor ones, typically stay on your insurance record for anywhere from three to five years.
What to do after a car accident frequently asked questions
1. What should I do if the other driver flees the accident scene?
The steps you should take in a hit-and-run accident are the same as those you’d take in any accident. Get yourself and your car to safety, don’t chase or follow the driver, and call the police, especially if there is significant damage or injuries.
You’ll also need to take some extra steps, like securing statements from witnesses or dashcam footage and getting an accident report if you intend to file an insurance claim.
2. Do minor car accidents raise my insurance premiums?
Not all accidents result in car insurance rate increases. This is especially true if you were not at fault in the accident or if your insurance offers .
One way you can tell if your rates will be affected is whether the police issued you a citation as a result of an auto accident. If so, it’s likely that it will end up on your driving record and adversely affect your rates.