If you’re a new driver, you might be worried about the possibility of getting into an accident while driving. While you should always drive carefully to lower your risk of an accident, it’s also important to be aware of the steps to take if an unexpected event occurs. Here are five steps to follow after getting into an accident.

What Should You Do If You’re in an Accident?

1. Stay Calm

After an accident occurs, the most important thing to do is keep a clear head. Start by checking yourself and any passengers for injuries. Observe the damage to your car as well as the condition of the other vehicle and its passengers. Once you have a basic grasp of the situation, you can start taking proactive steps to contact the police and your insurance company. 

2. Call the Police

Contact the police regardless of the severity of the accident. Describe the situation and your location to the best of your ability. Once the police arrive, they’ll take down your information, make sure the area is safe, and prepare a report that you can use when you file an insurance claim.

3. Exchange Information

In an accident, each vehicle’s insurance policy will help cover the costs of repairs for any damage, so it’s important to exchange insurance information with the other driver. Make sure your car’s registration and insurance information are available whenever you’re driving, since you’ll need to provide this information after an accident. When talking to the other driver, don’t discuss fault or liability — keep your conversation strictly limited to the facts.

4. Take Notes & Photos

To ensure that the police report and your insurance claim are as accurate as possible, take notes and pictures at the scene of the accident. In your notes (you can write these by hand or store them on your phone), include details such as the name of the officer that reported to the scene of the accident, as well as the name and details of the other driver. Take pictures of the damage done to both vehicles (include the license plates in these shots) in addition to the surrounding area. By documenting the accident as accurately as possible, you’ll also protect yourself in case the other driver attempts to misrepresent your role in the accident.

5. Contact Your Insurance Company

Call your insurance agency as soon as possible. A representative from the company will tell you how to file a claim. You may be able to do so through an official app or on the agency’s website. When you file your claim, the information you gathered after the accident will help you support your case.

If the other driver suggests that it would be more convenient to handle the aftermath of the accident without insurance, make sure you contact your insurance company to ensure you’re protected.

To make sure you’re well-equipped when you sit behind the wheel, get in touch with Eaton Driving School in Rochester, NY. Their team of professionals have taught new drivers how to handle the road for over 30 years. They also offer point reduction and insurance classes for drivers. Call them at (585) 287-4800 or visit their website for more information.

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