How to Handle Your First Car Accident

It's your vacation. You've loaded your two children into the back of the van with you and take off with your husband to some quality family time at the beach. All seems to be going well. The sun is shining, your kids bantering quietly over their Gameboys and your husband is chatting with you about the great things you'll be doing. As you approach the beach the traffic slows. Cars line up in the ever present line of vacationers looking to have their fun in the sun.

And then it happens.

The car behind you slams into the rear of your van tousling you and your family and turning that smile you had a minute ago into a look of shock and dismay as you realize that things have just turned bad. The woman behind you who struck you is equally surprised. The cell phone she had close to her ear now forgotten as she looks forward to see that her hood is now bent back over the windshield which is cracked.

You find yourself thinking, "what should I do?" You've never been in an accident before. Both you and your husband are great drivers and proud of it. Being mindful of your kids you always kept your speed down and never drove recklessly. And yet, this happens.

I'm here to tell you that things will be OK. However, you do need to be aware of your surroundings and to ensure that you obtain as much information as possible of the other driver and their occupants. I can not begin to emphasize that enough as a former auto insurance claims handler.

So where do you start?

Well the obvious thing to do first is to check to make sure everyone is alright. Your family is important. You want to make sure that little Jimmy and Tonya are not hurt. If they are upset, take time to calm them down and let them know they'll be fine.

Next you'll want to make sure you have a working pen, notepad and a disposable camera. The camera may not be obvious but I'm here to say that it occasionally helps in handling cases of either fraud or stolen vehicles. This is your car. Your investment. You want to know that it'll be taken care of. So the camera is used to take a picture of the accident itself, the license plate of the other vehicle, the driver of the other vehicle and the scene where it took place. All of these may come in useful later.

Speak with the other driver. Try to stay calm. I know it's upsetting and you probably feel like either crying or maiming the other driver. It's understandable. However, in order to get this handled properly and quickly you need to be able to talk with the other driver and obtain their information.

What do you need?

Write down where the accident took place. Make special note of any signs like a speed limit sign. Note how many lanes in each direction and in what lane you were traveling. You'll want to note the time as well. You'll want to find out the names of all those in the other car as well as what seat they are in. The insurance company will obtain more pertinent information such as Social Security Number so you don't need to get that.

Next write down what kind of vehicle they have. Year, make, model, VIN number (it's in the front windshield on the driver side) and tag number including state. Be sure to notice how much damage is on each vehicle, where it's located generally speaking and if your vehicle is still drivable.

If no one is hurt your husband can go ahead and contact the insure company. If it's one of the 24 hour companies like GEICO it'll be handled right then and very efficiently. Often with quick help like a tow truck being able to be sent to you if you should need it. If you are hurt though you do not want to call the insurance just yet. Call the cops and they'll request an ambulance. Believe me when I say most police officers and ambulance crews get aggravated quickly if you are still on the cell phone when they arrive. If they arrive and you are speaking to the insurance company please disconnect politely.

Please, if you are able, move the car out of the lane of traffic. This helps not just other drivers but the police and rescue vehicles who will come to assist.

The other driver should be able to provide you with their insurance company and driver's license. If you wish you can take a picture of those as well. You'll want to obtain the company name and policy number plus the phone number to the company. If you don't see the phone number do not fret as much claims adjusters are very proficient at getting it.

Overall if you have all this information a claim can be taken by the insurance company and fully setup within twenty minutes. Depending on if there are any injuries, how many passengers and if a tow was required. Remember, the claims adjuster is your friend at this time. She'll help you get through it while demonstrating a calm compassion. They want to help. Don't call the insurance company while driving as you'll need to both read and write information.

As always I hope that no one ever gets hurt in an accident. It's unfortunate that the accident happens at all. It's much more terrible when a loved one is hurt or worst yet killed during one. I know that I always tend to remember the claims where folks have lost loved ones. My heart goes out to you if it happens.

Next time I'll take you through what happens during a claims process so that you know what to expect. Until then, take care out there.