What should you do when you get into a car accident?

Question

I got into my first accident today, and now my car isn’t legal anymore as both my headlights are smashed and my front bumper is screwed. The other driver in the accident was the one who caused the accident. I was shaking when I got out the car and we talked and exchanged details and sorted it out, but it was still very scary. I wasn’t sure what to do as it had never happened before. If I get into another accident in the future, what are the key points/things to do in that situation?

MrOracle · Accepted Answer

In 2023 (and for a number of years already), most insurance companies have an app, that you should have installed on your phone and logged in to. Not only do these apps have your insurance information, but they help you collect information and initiate a claim in the event of an accident. You can take pictures and send them directly to the insurance company right from the scene, and the app will also walk you through getting the other person's information.

Of course, this assumes that you are not injured, nor anyone else involved in the accident. Always take care of yourself and the other people first - the car can wait if there are injuries.

It certainly doesn't hurt to have a dash cam or a police report, but many police departments are so understaffed that they won't do reports unless there is a serious injury. That's why a dash cam can be helpful - it's an impartial witness.

OfMiceandMen · Accepted Answer

Get there insurance information no matter if they say they'll pay for it. I had an elderly lady smash into the back of me at a red light when I was 19. Wrecked the back of my car. She didn't want to go through insurance, so I cut her some slack and got three quotes. I went with the lowest of the three quotes and she still was mad at me.

Picture this, she is about 70 years old and sweet as can be, I showed her the three quotes... she called me a c@cks%cker and said I was just trying to rip off an old lady. I stood there with my mouth open - awestruck.

Come to find out, it was her third wreck in 2 months.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Call the police they will document everything, call your insurance company the next day, they will take care of everything from there. If you have to go after the other driver, your insurance company will do it for you.

AviatorTom · Answer

1. Take pictures of all vehicles in the accident, before anyone moves them.

2. Call emergency services (911 in the US)

3. If your vehicle is drivable, move it to the side of the road, out of the main traffic lanes

4. Exchange insurance and driver information with the other driver (s) involved in the accident.

If anyone is injured, do step 2 right away.

It's important to remain calm, do not tell anyone what you did or ask them what they did. Leave those questions up to the police.

If you have a dashcam, be sure to save the video ;leading up to teh crash, teh crash itself, and just after the crash.

Anonymous · Answer

When i had my accident the police came and filed a report. Although if it's a minor accident i think you can just exchange insurance information and call insurance companies. My car was totaled but i only had liability so i got $400 from the ladies insurance and then ziptied the bumper and ziptied a turn signal, straitened the fender a bit and kept driving until i had enough money to buy my new car. But after i had my accident i still get some anxiety when driving especially when someone is turning from a side road which is how i was hit.

The_Shadow_Dweller · Answer

If you have a dashcam, use it to claim a warranty. If not, go to the police station, and try to get the footage for the warranty. I don't know how it works in your country, but hopefully like this.

Also, rather than simply relying on your memory, write down each and everything you remember. Right to the finest detail possible. Will help you clear your head.

And chill. It is just a car. It is supposed to protect and take care of you. Not the other way around.

Anonymous · Answer

First and foremost, take a deep breath. You'll want to take photos or video (usually video is better) of the exterior of the car, and the positions of the cars preferably before they have been moved if possible (in case the positions need to be examined if the person who caused the accident claims they didn't cause it). Exchange details. You'll want their phone number, a photo of their drivers license, and try to text them and have them text you immediately after getting their number, to ensure it truly is their number.

xJeremyx · Answer

Save your dashcam footage. Just in case you are unable to resolve it peacefully. Do you and the other party have car insurance? That dashcam should help with the claim. Afaik, if it is determined that the other person is at fault, the damages paid will come from their car insurance instead of yours.

But what do I know? I live in a place where driving is not the norm.

TallAnon · Answer

Check if they are ok, take pictures (include the number plate), ask for details, call an ambulance if needed, either drive to the side of the road or put down a warning sign. Get a service provider to take care of the car (we have a local one), get in contact with your insurance.

Fireguy17 · Answer

usually call the police, most insurance companies would like to see the police report, make sure everyone is ok, if not call 911 for rescue, take pictures of the scene, see if there are any witnesses, get the info if possible, contact your insurance company, most have a 24 hour number for this.

Pete671 · Answer

Never say sorry but make sure the other person is ok,,,

hypojoe · Answer

Dont leave the sceen make sure everybody is ok call 911 if needed and get other parties insurance info .

GoodGuyBreakingBad · Answer

Whatever is damaged get it fixed then call your insurance and get on a plan to cover your car.

Alex8736 · Answer

take pictures of the damage on scene if your vehicle and the other vehicle to prevent being accused of any kind of insurance fraud

TheAfrikan · Answer

Where I do stay you have to let the police know bout it as soon as possible, so that they can be there in time.

D_Bone_Steak · Answer

Shoot all the witnesses and destroy any CCTV cameras. Then get the fuck out of there.

ilovepinknipples · Answer

I call the police

What should you do when you get into a car accident?

Most Helpful Opinions

What Girls & Guys Said

What should you do when you get into a car accident?

Most Helpful Opinions

What Girls & Guys Said

We're glad to see you liked this post.