(1) Keep your insurance company's claim service card in your vehicle at all times. If you do not have a service card, write your policy identification number and your agent's name and phone number on a piece of paper and keep it with your vehicle's registration slip.
(2) Try to move your vehicle out of the flow of traffic if possible. Moving your vehicle out of traffic lanes can prevent further injury or damage.
(3) Administer First Aid only if you are trained to do so. Some states don't have "Good Samaritan" laws and you may be held liable for further injuries caused by your actions after the accident. Do not move any injured people unless they are in immediate danger of further injury.
(4) Call or have someone else call the police, highway patrol or ambulance if there are injuries. Provide the police with all the information they require. Ask the investigating officer how to obtain a copy of the police report for your insurance company. Leave only after the police have left and be sure that they have your side of the story.
(5) Assess the situation as thoroughly as possible. Using a pen and notepad, take down all vital information: The names of all drivers involved, their addresses, insurance policy numbers, makes/models and license numbers of cars; all witnesses with their names and addresses; investigating police officers' names, badge numbers and the station addresses.
(6) Take pictures of the scene with a camera or sketch a simple diagram. Questions about the accident can arise weeks, months or even years after it happens. Taking down as much information as possible will help you remember exactly what happened.
(7) Do not admit fault. Even if you have no-fault insurance, you should not admit liability under any circumstances. Turn the facts over to the insurance company and let them decide who is liable for payment.
(8) Do not discuss specifics of the accident with others involved. If there is a dispute over who is at fault, further discussion may just muddy the waters. Also avoid telling others how much insurance you carry.
(9) Contact your agent or insurance company as soon as possible. Some companies have strict filing procedures that must be followed accordingly for proper compensation.
(10) Cooperate with your agent's investigation, settlement and defense. Copy all documentation you receive regarding the accident for your records before submitting them to your agent. The company will usually defend you in a claim or lawsuit, but you may choose to hire a lawyer.