10 Tips for What to Do at an Accident Scene

April 12, 2023||inPersonal Insurance|auto accident, auto insurance, personal insurance

Even the most careful drivers can be in an accident. Because having an accident isn’t common, you might forget what you should and shouldn’t do if you’re in an accident.

Here are actions you can take to help things go smoothly and facilitate the claims process:

10 Tips for What to Do at an Accident Scene
Click here to submit an inquiry to Murphy Insurance or call us at 800 222 8711

Stay calm. Getting upset only complicates a bad situation. Maintain your composure, even if the other person doesn’t.

Check for injuries and call the police. Even if the accident is minor, make the call. Notify them of injuries so that they can call for medical assistance.

Don’t leave the scene of an accident. Even if the other driver says it’s okay, they could later file for injuries, or you could be accused of a hit-and-run. Wait for the police to arrive, as they provide an objective witness.

Don’t move an injured person — unless they are in immediate danger.

Try to protect the scene of the accident. Don’t move your vehicle unless it impedes traffic or is necessary to prevent further damage. Keep a kit with emergency cones, triangles, or flares in your car.

Don’t blame the accident on anyone—including yourself—and don’t say so to anyone, even if you might be at fault. Give your full description of the accident only to the police officer.

Exchange information with the other driver.

Take notes of:

  • the license plate number, make, model & color of other vehicles
  • names & addresses of all drivers/passengers
  • drivers’ license numbers
  • note if the driver is different from the vehicle owner
  • insurance company information
  • name and address of the witness

Take photos. Use your cell phone to document the accident scene and vehicle damage.

Ask the officer where you can get a copy of the police report.

If you hit an object or unattended vehicle, try to find the owner. If you can’t, leave a note containing your name, address, and phone number. Record the details of the accident.

Call Murphy Insurance as soon as possible after an accident so that our Claims Team can assist you. Please don’t assume we’ll find out another way. You can initiate your claim online at Claims Center.

In an emergency, call our 24-hour emergency hotline at 800 222 8711.

A Massachusetts Crash Operator Report is required to be completed by a person who was operating a motor vehicle involved in a crash in which any
person was killed or injured or in which there was damage over $1,000 to any one vehicle or other property. Report needs to be submitted to the RMV/Police Station/Insurance Company within five days of the accident.

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