Stay calm, check for injuries and move to safety.
After an accident, you may be nervous and afraid. Stay calm and keep your composure — by doing so, you'll stay in control of the situation. Call 911 immediately for an ambulance if you suspect any injuries. When in doubt, you should always call. If your vehicle is safe to drive, move to the side of the road and get yourself to safety.
Call the police.
Whether you're involved in a fender-bender or a major accident, you should always call 911. An officer will arrive at the scene of the accident and will document the scene with an accident report. You should also ask the police officer for a copy of the accident report — your insurance company may need it during the claims process.
Gather information.
After you've established that all parties are safe, gather as much information as you can:
- Driver and passenger names, address(es) and phone number(s)
- License plate numbers
- Insurance information
- Vehicles descriptions, including make, model and year
- Contact information for any witnesses
- Location of the accident
- Name and badge number of the responding officer(s)
Remember, do not sign any documents unless it is for the responding officer(s) or your insurance agent. Do not admit fault for the accident, even if you think it was.
Document the scene.
You may be shaken up after an accident, but don't forget to document the scene. Use your smartphone to take photos of the accident and damage to the vehicles. You may consider taking a video and walking around both vehicles as well.
Contact your insurance agent or your insurance company.
Finally, contact your insurance agent or insurance company to report the accident. If you're a Providence Mutual policyholder, you can report a claim on our website or by calling us at 1-877-763-1800.
This summary is for general informational use only and may not include all relevant information.¹ Car Accident Statistics in the United States, Driver Knowledge.
