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What to do After an Automobile Accident
- Stop your vehicle in as safe a place as possible. Turn off the ignition. Get out of the vehicle carefully and determine if anyone is injured. You may administer first aid, if needed, but usually should not try to move an injured person.
- Call the police (911) immediately. Be sure to tell them about any injuries. The police will notify the nearest medical unit.
- If possible, move your vehicle to a safer place to prevent additional accidents and further damage to your vehicle. If your vehicle cannot be moved, turn on the hazard lights, and ask the investigating officers to help you set up flares until the vehicle can be towed.
- If another vehicle is involved, record the other vehicle's year, make, model and license plate number. Get the driver's name, address, license number and the name of his or her insurance company. If the driver does not own the vehicle, get the name of the vehicle's owner. Also get the names and addresses of any passengers in the vehicle, or other witnesses.
- Write down the names and badge numbers of police and other emergency personnel at the scene. Ask the investigating officer how to obtain a copy of the police report for the insurance claim.
- If you think the other driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, insist on a breath test for you and the other driver.
- Cooperate with the police and other people involved, but don't apologize for or acknowledge the accident in any way. You may be required to say what coverages you have, but don't say how much insurance you carry.
- If the other person takes responsibility for the accident, do not accept any money he or she may offer you. By accepting money, you may give up your right to file a claim against the other driver, even if the damages turn out to be more extensive than you originally thought.
- Never agree to forget about an accident, even if there appears to be no damage. You may find out later that there were actually hidden damages or injuries. You may even find out the other person has filed a lawsuit against you.
- Write down an account of what happened, and everything pertinent to the accident: time of day, weather, hazards, road conditions and driving speed. Draw a rough diagram of the intersection, showing stop signs and lights. Make notes about injuries or statements from anyone who says they are not hurt. Note any pre-existing damage on other vehicles involved.
- If a camera is available, take pictures showing the damage, position of vehicles, skid marks and anything else documenting what occurred. Make copies of the pictures.
- Report the accident to your insurance company immediately. MEEMIC Claims Services may be reached at 1-800-231-5770, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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