What to Do After a Vehicle Accident and How to File an Insurance Claim

Getting into a vehicle accident can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Whether it’s a minor fender-bender or a major collision, knowing what steps to take immediately afterward—and how to properly file an insurance claim—can make a huge difference in how smoothly things go.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: what to do right after an accident, how to gather information, and how to navigate the insurance claims process with confidence.

Immediately After the Accident: Safety First

Your safety—and the safety of everyone involved—should always be your top priority. Here’s what to do:

1. Check for Injuries

• Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured.

• Even if injuries appear minor, seek medical attention. Some injuries (like whiplash or internal trauma) may not be obvious right away.

2. Move to a Safe Location

• If your vehicle is operable and it’s safe to do so, move it to the side of the road to avoid blocking traffic.

• Turn on your hazard lights.

3. Call the Police

• Always file a police report, even for minor accidents. This documentation can be crucial during the claims process.

• Cooperate with the responding officers, and avoid admitting fault at the scene.

Gathering Essential Information

Accurate information will strengthen your insurance claim. Make sure to collect:

From the Other Driver:

• Full name and contact information

• Driver’s license number

• License plate number

• Insurance company and policy number

• Make, model, and color of their vehicle

Additional Details:

• Contact info for any witnesses

• Photos of the damage to all vehicles involved

• Photos of the accident scene (traffic signs, skid marks, weather conditions)

• Notes about how the accident happened (direction of travel, speed, etc.)

Notify Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible—ideally within 24 hours of the accident. Many insurers offer mobile apps or online portals to simplify this step.

When you contact them, be prepared to provide:

• The date, time, and location of the accident

• A description of what happened

• Names and contact info of everyone involved

• The police report number (if available)

Pro Tip: Be honest and detailed, but avoid speculating about fault—stick to the facts.

Filing the Insurance Claim: Step-by-Step

Filing a claim doesn’t have to be complicated if you follow a structured process.

Step 1: Review Your Policy

Understand your coverage:

• Liability coverage pays for damages to the other party if you’re at fault.

• Collision coverage pays for damage to your own vehicle, regardless of fault.

• Comprehensive coverage covers non-collision-related incidents (like theft or weather damage).

• Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage applies if the at-fault driver has insufficient insurance.

Step 2: File the Claim

You can usually file a claim via:

• Your insurer’s mobile app

• The company’s website

• Phone call with an agent

You’ll need to submit:

• Personal and vehicle info

• Accident details

• Photos of the damage

• Police report (if applicable)

Step 3: Work With a Claims Adjuster

Your insurance company will assign a claims adjuster to investigate:

• The cause of the accident

• The extent of damages

• Who’s at fault

They may inspect your vehicle in person or request additional documentation.

Step 4: Get a Repair Estimate

• Some insurers have preferred repair shops, while others allow you to choose your own.

• The adjuster may provide a repair estimate or approve one from the repair shop.

Step 5: Pay Your Deductible

Before repairs begin, you may need to pay a deductible—the amount you’re responsible for before insurance covers the rest.

Step 6: Track the Claim

Most insurers offer tools to track your claim’s progress. You’ll be notified when:

• Repairs are approved and scheduled

• The vehicle is ready for pickup

• Payments have been made (if applicable)

 Important Tips to Keep in Mind

• Don’t delay in reporting an accident—waiting too long can impact your claim.

• Document everything—emails, phone calls, receipts for towing or rental cars, etc.

• Avoid admitting fault to the other party or insurance companies. Leave the determination of fault to the professionals.

• Follow up regularly with your adjuster if things are taking too long.

Final Thoughts

No one wants to get into a car accident—but being prepared can turn a chaotic moment into a manageable situation. Knowing what steps to take immediately after the incident and how to navigate the claims process can help you get back on the road with minimal stress.

If you’re ever in doubt, contact The Bremberger Insurance Agency 414-220-0400. We’re her to help guide you through the process, answer questions, and ensure you get the coverage you’re entitled to.