What Insurance Steps Should You Take if You're in a Car Accident?

The screech of tires. The crunch of metal. A car accident in Central New York can leave you dazed and uncertain about what to do next. In those crucial moments after impact, collecting the right information can make a significant difference for your insurance claim.

Many drivers feel overwhelmed by post-accident procedures. They worry about missing important details or making mistakes that could affect their claim. This uncertainty often leads to incomplete documentation and unnecessary stress during the claims process.

At the Horan insurance agency, we've guided numerous Central New York drivers through accident situations. Our experience working with multiple carriers gives us unique insights into what information matters most for claims. In this article, we'll outline the essential steps to take after an accident and explain why each detail matters for your insurance claim.

Essential Steps to Take Immediately After an Accident

Your safety comes first. Move your vehicle to a safe location if possible and turn on your hazard lights. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone needs medical attention, call 911 right away.

Document Everything: Your Best Insurance Ally

While law enforcement officers serve an important role at accident scenes, their primary focus is public safety and determining if any laws were broken—not collecting insurance information. They may be managing multiple incidents, especially during busy times or severe weather.

Be thorough and patient while gathering these essential details:

1. Exchange information with other drivers:Full name and contact details

• Full name and contact details
• Insurance company name and policy number
• Vehicle make, model, license plate number, and VIN
• Driver's license number

2. Capture the scene:

• Take photos of all vehicle damage
• Document the accident location and road conditions
• Note the time, date, and weather conditions
• Get contact information from any witnesses

Double-check all information for accuracy and don't hesitate to verify details with other drivers. Take additional photos if you're unsure about your initial ones.

Go Beyond Basic Documentation

Create a detailed record that includes:

• The exact location (street names, direction of travel)
• How the accident occurred
• Where the damage appears on each vehicle
• Names and badge numbers of responding officers
• Police report number

Smart Steps That Support Your Claim

An important first step: If you're not at fault for the accident, report it directly to the other driver's insurance carrier rather than your own. This helps protect your claims history.

If you need to contact an insurance carrier about the accident, many companies now offer mobile apps that help you document the scene and start your claim immediately.

If possible, sketch a quick diagram showing:

• The position of all vehicles
• Direction each vehicle was traveling
• Traffic signals or signs in the area
• Location of witnesses

When to Call Medical Help

Some injuries aren't apparent immediately after an accident. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention:

• Headaches
• Neck or back pain
• Dizziness
• Numbness
• Difficulty concentrating

Moving Forward with Confidence After an Accident

A car accident can shake your confidence on the road. But having a clear plan for what to do afterward helps you stay focused when it matters most. We've covered the crucial steps that support a smooth claims process: documenting the scene, gathering complete information, and knowing when to seek medical attention.

Following these steps helps create a clear record of what happened. This documentation provides your insurance carrier with important details that can support your claims process. Without it, you might face delays or complications that add stress to an already challenging situation.

The Horan insurance agency understands the unique challenges Central New York drivers face. We're here to help you make sense of your coverage and guide you through the claims process. Our work with multiple carriers gives us perspective to offer guidance when you need it.

Click the Get a Quote button below to learn more about auto insurance coverage that can help address your driving requirements in Central New York.

Also be sure to read: How to Know If Horan is the Right Independent Agency for You.