What To Do After an At-Fault Accident

Before, during, and after a car accident, everything feels like a whirlwind. It’s hard to figure out exactly what happened and why. Could you have done something to prevent the crash? Which party is to blame? Most of the time, insurance companies determine who is at fault in an accident by analyzing information from the involved parties. However, in most cases, accidents occur because of mistakes from both parties. Even if you know you’re at fault, there are a few things you can do to ease the stress and financial cost of the accident. Stay calm, and remember this list of what to do after an at-fault accident.

Check for Injuries

The first thing you should do after any accident is to make sure everyone is safe. Check for injuries on yourself, your passengers, and anyone else involved in the incident. If someone is seriously hurt—or if you’re unsure about the extent of their injuries—call 911. If possible, move your vehicles off the road so that you’re safely out of the way of traffic.

Avoid Admitting Fault

Once everyone is safe, you can start exchanging insurance and contact information. This is a crucial step for any accident, no matter who is at fault. Make sure you have the name, phone number or email address, insurance provider, and policy number for everyone involved in the accident. It’s also a good idea to document the accident as thoroughly as possible. Take pictures of the scene and any damage to the vehicle. However, take care not to admit fault or apologize for the accident—this is an essential part of what to do after an at-fault accident. It can be tempting to take the blame when talking to the other party in the accident, but doing so will make your situation harder when filing a claim and getting the best insurance coverage.

Work With Your Insurance

Once you have the information you need, report the incident directly to your insurance provider. The sooner you contact your insurance company, the easier it will be to gather all the right evidence and start your claim. Some insurance agents will even walk you through what to do on-scene so that you can get the information you need with as little stress as possible. Once you’re in a safe location after the accident, work with your provider to file a claim and find the best coverage possible.

Depending on what you did to cause the accident, you might receive an SR22 requirement. You’ll have to compare SR22 insurance quotes between providers to find the best policy. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through this step alone. Serenity Group will help you compare SR22 insurance quotes in California or anywhere else you need your policy. With our help and expertise, you can find the best policy, work through your requirements, and move on from your accident to a more peaceful life on the road.