What should I do if I just had an auto accident?

What should I do if I just had an auto accident?

Make sure everyone is okay and check to see if anyone needs medical attention. Even if your injuries are minor, you may still want to have them checked out at a hospital or with your family doctor. Minor injuries can become major, long-lasting injuries. Try to remain calm. Do not admit fault to anyone. Contact law enforcement. They will tell you whether you should move the autos, and whether an officer will come take statements from those involved. If a police officer questions you, be factual. Police officers are trained to handle traffic accidents. They will also determine who’s at fault. Allow medical professionals and/or law enforcement officials to control the accident scene. Discuss the accident only with the police and your auto insurance company. If law enforcement is not involved, exchange names, addresses, phone numbers and insurance company names with each driver. We recommend police involvement. During the entire claims process, if another party to the accident or another auto insurance company contacts you, do not discuss the accident with them and do not agree to make a recorded statement. Simply refer any questions about the accident to your claims representative. Be sure to get contact information from any witnesses. If possible, take pictures of all vehicles involved in the accident, to prevent the other parties from claiming damage to a vehicle that was not related to the accident. Take photos of the intersection where the accident occurred, skid marks, and any other features of the accident scene. Report the incident to your insurance company immediately. As soon as possible, write down your own detailed recollection of the accident.