What Do I Do After an Accident?

1. Think Safety First
   • If the accident is minor, move your vehicles/bikes and yourself out of traffic to a safe place.
   • Do you have warning devices, cones, lights, etc.? Consider deploying them to alert others.
   • Try to remain calm and be polite.
2. Get Help
   • Check for injuries; call 911. The 911 dispatcher will send medical assistance.
   • The 911 dispatcher needs to know:
     • Where you are; if you are on a trail, where is the closest road? A familiar landmark? etc.  How can safety services find you?
     • The nature of your call, and the severity of injuries or other risks and hazards on the scene.
     • Who is present at the accident scene.
   • The 911 dispatcher will also send police, even if the accident is minor. A police report is invaluable in processing an insurance claim and assist in obtaining compensation for injuries or damage.
3. Collect Information
   • Gather information from others involved in the accident.
   • Obtain names and contact information of those involved as well as witnesses.
   • Vehicle descriptions (make, model, year).
   • Driver's license numbers - License plate numbers.
   • Insurance companies and policy numbers.
   • Police officer's name and unit number, and incident report number if available.
   • Take photos of all vehicles involved and the accident scene, if it is safe to do so.