Reviews Report
- Latest finalized national totals show about 6.10 million police‑reported crashes and about 2.38 million people injured in 2022; NHTSA’s early estimate projects 40,990 traffic deaths in 2023 with a fatality rate of 1.26 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (BTS/NHTSA Table 2‑17; NHTSA; FHWA).
- 6.13 auto collision claims per 100 car years is a commonly cited pre‑pandemic benchmark; today, many carriers enable digital first notice of loss (FNOL), photo estimating, and instant digital payments for low‑severity claims, with AI‑assisted triage to speed cycle times (LexisNexis).
- It’s crucial to collect accurate contact and insurance information from the other driver and follow state reporting rules; many states require a driver/DMV report within 10 days when there’s injury/death or property damage above thresholds such as $1,000 (for example, California SR‑1 and New York MV‑104).
Car accidents can happen to anyone. Based on national safety statistics, there were about 6.10 million police‑reported crashes and about 2.38 million people injured in the latest finalized year (2022). Early estimates indicate 40,990 people were killed in 2023 and the fatality rate improved to 1.26 per 100 million VMT, with declines continuing into the first half of 2024 (NHTSA; NHTSA; FHWA). Historical counts such as 6.734 million car crashes are part of the same federal data series.
Because of this, drivers should promptly report a crash to their insurer (via app/portal or phone) to initiate coverage review and guidance. If you don’t know how to file an insurance claim, then call your car insurance provider. Insurers increasingly issue a claim number immediately, accept photo/video uploads, and offer fast digital payments for simple losses; they can begin a claim based on your FNOL even without a police report, though official documentation strengthens the file and may be required under state thresholds or for certain coverages (LexisNexis; California SR‑1; New York MV‑104).
What to Do After a Car Accident
Prioritize safety first. If it’s safe and vehicles are drivable, move them out of travel lanes, turn on hazard lights, and deploy warning triangles/flares if available. Keep people out of traffic lanes and exchange information in a safe area (shoulder, parking lot). Call 911 for injuries or significant damage; many areas support enhanced location and text via Next Generation 911 (911.gov; WHO).
1. Check the Safety of Everyone
First, scan for life‑threatening issues: severe bleeding, breathing problems, unresponsiveness. Turn on hazard lights and create space from traffic. Apply only the first aid you’re trained for (e.g., pressure on bleeding, recovery position) and avoid moving anyone unless they’re in immediate danger (fire, oncoming traffic). If injured and movement is painful, stay still and await EMS (WHO).
Next check your passengers for any injuries, especially teens and children. Move occupants only to prevent greater harm, and keep bystanders away from travel lanes. If an AED or bleeding control kit is available, use it within your training while EMS is en route (WHO).
If possible, get everyone to a safe area off the roadway. If your car is drivable and its current position risks secondary crashes, carefully move it to the shoulder; if not, remain belted inside until it’s safe to exit. Do not stand in traffic lanes. Use hazard lights and place reflective triangles if you have them (911.gov).
2. Call an Ambulance and/or Police
Call 911 immediately. Give the exact location (mile markers, cross‑streets), the number of people involved, and any hazards (e.g., fuel leak). Where available, NG911 can transmit enhanced location and accept text in some jurisdictions; some phones and vehicles can also trigger automatic crash notifications—follow the prompts (911.gov; Apple Crash Detection).
Reporting is also a legal duty in many situations. Injury or death must be reported to police, and many states require a driver/DMV report within 10 days when property damage exceeds a threshold (commonly around $1,000). Two examples: California requires Form SR‑1 within 10 days for injury/death or $1,000+ damage, regardless of fault; New York requires MV‑104 within 10 days with similar triggers—failure to file can result in license consequences (California SR‑1; New York MV‑104). Your insurer can start a claim without a police report, but official documentation typically strengthens your claim—keep photos, witness contacts, and receipts (LexisNexis; III).
3. Speak With the Other Driver
After ensuring everyone’s immediate safety and contacting 911, check if the other driver needs urgent help. Avoid debating fault at the scene. Keep the interaction brief and professional, and relocate to a safe area to exchange information—do not stand in active lanes (WHO).
Your only purpose at this moment is to make sure the other driver does not need any immediate help before emergency personnel arrive. If they are unconscious, check on their passengers. Do not move anyone unless you feel they are in immediate danger of further injury.
4. Collect Insurance Information
Once it’s been determined that you, the other driver, and all passengers are safe, exchange information and document the scene. Photograph damage and surroundings from multiple angles; capture VINs (windshield/door jamb), the other driver’s license and proof of insurance, and the crash location. Telematics or phone crash‑detection features can help kick off FNOL and document timing automatically (Apple Crash Detection; LexisNexis).
You’ll need all of the following information to correctly file a claim:
- Full legal name
- Contact information, including address and phone number
- Make, model and color of the other driver’s car
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Insurance company and policy number
Next, discuss and take note of where the accident occurred. It’s important that both drivers report the same location to your insurance agencies.
Continue to avoid discussing who was at fault. It does not matter from the insurance company’s perspective what you two agree on because it is the job of an adjuster to decide who was at fault. They will look at inspections, police reports, and pictures to determine who was the at-fault driver.
5. File a Claim
If you are not injured, call your insurance provider while you are still at the scene of the accident. This makes it easier for your insurance company because it will be able to tell you exactly what it needs for accident claims.
Your insurance provider will likely ask you to take pictures of the accident from all angles. Don’t just photograph your car. It’s important to document all cars involved in the accident.
Your provider will ask you where the accident occurred and what happened. Next, it will ask you for the other driver’s contact information. It’s possible your provider will ask you for a cost estimate of the damage, too, just to gauge the severity of the situation. If you have your insurance provider’s app downloaded on your phone, you may be able to submit all documentation there.
6. Shop for Cheap Car Insurance
Remember that premiums can increase after filing a claim, as it increases your risks of more claims in the future. If you’ve been in more than one accident — regardless of fault — you can expect to see higher premiums on your car insurance.
Collect quotes from the best cheap car insurance companies to compare new car insurance premiums and coverage for your vehicle. You want a company that has great customer service and rates without sacrificing necessary coverage. Typically, larger companies are more adept than local providers because they have more resources at their commands.
