What to Do After a Car Accident: Step-by-Step Guide

STAY SAFE, STAY CALM, AND STAY COVERED

WHAT TO DO AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT

Accidents happen—but panic doesn’t have to. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you manage the scene, gather the right info, and start the claims process smoothly.




Accidents are stressful - but having a plan makes all the difference.
In the chaos of a car accident, it's easy to forget the steps you're supposed to take. Knowing what to do ahead of time can help you stay calm, protect your safety, and make the claims process smoother.

Immediate Steps at the Scene

  1. Stay calm and check for injuries

    • Make sure you're safe. Check yourself and passengers for injuries.

    • If another vehicle is involved, check if the other driver and passengers are okay.

  2. Move to safety

    • If your vehicle is drivable, move it to the side of the road.

    • Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.

  3. Call for help

    • Dial 911 if anyone is injured.

    • Call the police to report the accident - even if it seems minor.

    • Ask for the police report number and find out which department is responding. (Helpful for your insurance claim.)

  4. Exchange information

    • Get the other driver's:

      • Name, phone number, and address

      • Vehicle make, model, and year

      • Insurance company name and policy number

      • Insurance agent’s name, if available

    • Gather contact information for any witnesses.

  5. Document the scene

    • Take clear photos of:

      • All vehicles involved (different angles)

      • Visible damage

      • License plates

      • Road signs or surroundings

    • The more documentation, the easier it is for claims adjusters to assess the situation.

Notifying Your Insurance Company

As soon as you're safe and able, contact your Profinium Insurance Agent.
They will help you decide whether to file the claim through your insurance or the other party’s - depending on who is at fault. Your agent is your guide through the process, so don’t hesitate to ask questions.

What Information You’ll Need

Have this ready when reporting the accident:

  • Contact info for the other driver(s)

  • Insurance and policy numbers

  • Witness names and phone numbers

  • Photos of the damage

  • Police report number, if available

The more thorough you are, the faster and smoother your claim can be processed.

How the Claims Process Works

  1. Your agent submits the claim.

  2. A Claims Adjuster will contact you for more details.

  3. They’ll reach out to the other driver’s insurance company.

  4. Fault will be determined.

  5. Based on fault, one or both insurance companies may pay out for damages.

Your agent stays in the loop and can help you understand each step.

Tips to Avoid Common Pitfalls

  • Don’t admit fault at the scene - let the adjusters and police determine that.

  • Don’t delay contacting your insurance company - it can slow down the process.

  • Don’t forget to follow up. Stay in communication with your agent and adjuster.

We’re Here When You Need Us

Profinium Insurance is here to support you during stressful moments like these. Whether you need help filing a claim, understanding your policy, or reviewing your coverage - our team is just a call away.

Contact your Profinium Insurance agent for claims assistance or questions.
We’re here to help - no matter what road life takes you down.








Vicki profile photo

Written By
Vicki Borneke
Insurance Agent
 
Published
December 1, 2025





   
 
Please note: Products offered by the Profinium Insurance Agency are not FDIC/NCUSIF insured, may lose value, are not financial institution guaranteed, not a deposit, and not insured by any federal government agency.