What to Do After a Car Accident

Car accidents can happen when you drive long enough around Dover. Whether it’s just a fender-bender or a serious collision, you should know what to do after a car accident. When you’re shaken up, it’s often difficult to think clearly and know what to do. Here, the auto pros at Kent County Motors explain what to do after a car accident and how to file an insurance claim. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need to shop for a new car.

What to Do After a Car Accident Checklist

Minor Accidents

If you’re involved in a fender-bender at an intersection around Milford, or someone backs into your vehicle in a Smyrna parking lot, here’s what to do after a minor car accident:

1. Check and see if you or any of your passengers need medical attention. If they do, call 911 immediately and follow the steps for a major accident below.
2. Pull your vehicle over to a safe spot on the side of the road so you don’t block traffic. Try not to stray too far from the accident scene.
3. Call the police. Even if the other Middletown driver says you don’t need to call the police for a minor accident, you should still call them anyway. It’s best to have an official report filed, and your insurance company will likely require it. 
4. Exchange contact information with everyone involved. Exchange phone numbers, insurance policy information, and email addresses of the other driver(s) and passengers involved. Take a picture of everyone’s driver’s license, auto license plate, insurance cards, and pictures of the accident scene. If there were witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information as well.
5. Document your car’s damage. Take detailed photos of the damage to all vehicles involved, paying special attention to your vehicle. 
6. Call your insurance provider. The sooner you start a car accident insurance claim, the better. Inform them of the incident and provide all the details of the accident.

Major Accidents

Major accidents include serious injuries or even possibly fatalities. Take these steps if you’re involved in a major car accident:

• Call 911 immediately. If you or your passengers are seriously injured, alert emergency personnel or have someone call them immediately. The police should arrive along with an ambulance or fire truck to assess the scene, injuries, and damage. If you need immediate medical attention and can’t document crucial information on your own, the police will consider this. Still, follow up later to ensure you have all the information you need.
• Contact your insurance provider. Even if someone already started the car accident insurance claim on your behalf while you were receiving medical attention, you should still follow up with your insurance agent. They will need more information about the accident to ensure everyone is compensated appropriately.
• Follow up with your doctor until you are well again. If you’re still feeling pain after the accident and after being treated, you should continue to follow up with your regular physician until you return to full health.

How to File a Car Accident Insurance Claim

Filing a car accident insurance claim is fairly straightforward. When you file a claim with your insurance agent, they will ask for the following:

• Your auto insurance policy number
• The date, time, and location of the accident
• A detailed description of how the accident happened
• All the contact and insurance information you gathered from the other parties involved
• Name of the police department that assisted at the scene and the police report number (if applicable)

Your insurance carrier will arrange to have your car evaluated by an insurance adjuster who will estimate the cost of repairs, your auto coverage, and much more. If they need more photos or information, you may have to get your vehicle inspected in person.

Kent County Motors Can Get Back on The Road Quickly!

Now that you know how to file a car insurance claim, from auto repairs to finding a new vehicle, you can trust Kent County Motors to get you back on Dover roads quickly. Feel free to schedule service with our service center directly, or contact us and let us know how we can help! We’re here for you!