The average number of car accidents in the U.S. every year is 6 million, and almost half a million car accidents each year are due to winter storms, wet road conditions, and general bad weather.

Being involved in a car accident is stressful regardless of if it is a minor fender bender or a serious collision. It is extremely important to be well informed of the procedures that you should follow if you are ever in this unfortunate situation.

Here’s what you should do at the scene and after the auto accident occurs:

1. Check for injuries. Your priority should be to assess yourself and others that were in your car for injuries. You should then ensure that others that were involved in the accident, in other vehicles or bystanders are also injury free. If there are injuries, first and foremost you should call for medical assistance, immediately.
2. Get out of danger. If there are no injuries, and the accident was minor- you should drive your car to the side of the road and out of the way of moving traffic, to prevent other accidents. If the accident was severe, leave your vehicle as it is.
3. Call for help. You should call the police department and report the accident. Even if the accident was a minor collision, it is important to get a police report for the claims process.
4. Exchange information. While the police are enroute to the scene of the accident, you should make sure to exchange contact information with the other people involved in the accident. The information you should gather is:

• Diver’s and passengers’ names and contact information
• Vehicle descriptions
• License plate numbers
• Insurance company and policy numbers
• Eyewitness names and contact information
• Accident location/address
• Police office name and badge number.

1. Take photos. Any photos of the scene of the accident and damages that you can provide to your insurance agent will assist them in the claim process and move it along.
2. Know next steps. If your car is undriveable and needs to be towed away, make sure to get the name and location of the tow yard your vehicle is being taken to so you can take the next steps to getting your car repaired.
3. File a claim. You can start the claim process as soon as the incident occurs or postpone action until you have everything in order. However, it is important to notify your auto insurance agent as soon as possible to start the claim process. Your agent will be able to walk you through the auto repair process and assist in informing you of the type of coverage you have.

It is best to be informed if you are ever faced with this situation, so you are not left wondering what happens next. It can be stressful and scary, but we are here to assist you through it.

Talk to one of our local agents about your auto coverage to make sure you’re prepared.