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Being involved in an accident is scary, but it's important to stay calm afterwards and take the following steps:
At the Scene of the Accident
Call 9-1-1 to get anyone who is hurt to a hospital right away. Even if no one is hurt, you will still want to call 9-1-1 to get a police officer to the scene.
 Exchange Information with the other driver: Make sure to get their name, address, phone number, license plate number and insurance information (the company name, policy number and phone number). If the driver doesn't have insurance then it's especially important to get all of their other information.
Get information from witnesses: Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses that may have seen the accident. They could be important in backing up your story later, particularly if the other driver doesn't tell the truth.
 Get the investigating police officer's name and badge number: You may need to contact them later to get their official report. Also, keep in mind that in some states, if there's been damage to anyone's car in an accident it's against the law to leave the scene before an officer arrives.
Stick to the facts: Don't say "I'm sorry" or admit the accident was your fault (even if you think it was). And don't try to make the other person admit they were wrong. It's up to the police and the insurance companies to decide who was at fault.
After the Accident
Contact Your Insurance Company: You should do this as soon as possible. Even if the accident was not your fault, you need to let them know. And if the accident was your fault, you need to find out how to file a claim. Figure out where to get your car repaired: Sometimes insurance companies will want you to bring your car to a specific shop. Unless this was written into your policy, you don't have to do this. But you do want to know if there are any conditions.
For example, you may use a shop that charges more than the insurance company's estimate, in which case you could be responsible for the difference. It's better to figure out with the insurance company where you should get your car fixed before you take it anywhere.  Contact the other driver's insurance company: You should also do this right away. Particularly if you believe the other driver was at fault, because if that's the case their insurance will pay for your damages and repairs.
Think about whether you want to file a claim: If the cost of your repairs is just a little more than your deductible (and you were at fault in the accident), you may not want to file a claim. Remember that insurance companies charge more to people who have been in accidents and make claims. In the long run, your increased insurance premiums may cost you more than paying for all of the repairs out of your own pocket.
Get copies of all files: You need to get copies of: the police report, the complete claim file, medical and repair bills and any other documents related to the accident. All of this information could become important (particularly if an insurance company makes a mistake or refuses to pay). - Consider getting a lawyer: For most minor accidents, you won't need a lawyer. But if any of these things apply, you may need legal help:
- If the accident was major (particularly if someone was hurt badly)
- If the other motorist was uninsured
- If you haven't received any of the benefits that the insurance company owes you within 30 days, you may need legal help. Get information on how to find a lawyer.
Just keep in mind that if a lawyer helps you get more money from an insurance company, your lawyer will get 25 percent or more of that money.
More Information
If you're interested in learning more about these issues, here are some additional resources:
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