What to Do If You're in a Car Accident
[MUSIC PLAYING]
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TEXT, Tips for What to Do After a Car Accident
A blue car is rear-ended by a red car in a fender bender
TEXT, Check to See if Anyone is Hurt
We see an overhead shot of the fender bender accident.
The red car reveals a thumbs up icon to show they are okay
The blue car reveals a sad face to show they are not okay
TEXT, If Anyone is Hurt, Call 911
A split screen slides in next to the blue car with the sad face icon to also show a hand dialing 9-1-1 on a mobile phone
TEXT, If Possible, Take Photos of the Scene and Vehicle Damage…
The split screen slides over to show the red car and the mobile phone taking a picture of the accident
TEXT, …Before Moving Your Car to a Safe Location
We see the red car head into a nearby parking lot and the blue car follows
TEXT, …But Do Not Leave the Area
We see the red car parked in a parking spot and the blue car pulls in next to it
TEXT, Exchange Information with Those Involved
Driver Name slash number, John Doe, 555-123-4567
Passenger Name slash number, Jane Doe, 555-123-4321
Witness Name slash number, Helen Smith, 555-838-4201
Location, Highway 97, before exit 4
Information is revealed across a notepad
TEXT, Exchange Information with Those Involved
Insurance Information
Company, Insurance Company
Policy number, AB123C456D78
Phone number, 1-800-345-6789
Insurance Company
Information is revealed across a notepad alongside an insurance card
TEXT, If Emergency Services Responded, Collect:
Emergency Services
Police Report number, 901234
Office name, Barry Smith
Badge number, 34567
Information is revealed across a notepad alongside a black and white police officer profile in a red circle
TEXT, Contact Your Broker or Travelers to Start Your Claim
A black and white female profile in a red circle with the TEXT: Broker
A black and white male profile in a red circle with the TEXT: Travelers
TEXT, Stay Safe!
A red vehicle is driving along
TEXT, For More Vehicle Safety Tips, Visit travelers Canada dot c a
Travelers umbrella logo
Being involved in a car accident can be a stressful, confusing experience. If you need to file a claim, you’ll be counting on your insurance company’s knowledge and expertise to help you, with compassion and efficiency.
We all know that accidents happen. When they do, it's important to focus on making sure everyone is safe. Having the appropriate items on hand can help with safety, as well as help you to obtain the information you may need from the scene. Finally, it's also helpful to know what to do after the accident.
Here’s a rundown of how to prepare for the unexpected and what to do after an auto accident:
Being Prepared for a Car Accident: Items to Have in Your Car
Keep reflective triangles or other safety warning devices in your trunk so you can help make your car more visible on the roadside following an accident. Other items to keep in your vehicle include:
- Your current insurance ID card
- Your vehicle registration
- A first aid kit
Finally, to document important accident information, you can use your smartphone, or keep a pen or pencil and a notepad in your car.
After a Car Accident
- If you are involved in a car accident, immediately take safety measures and turn on your hazard lights. Remaining stopped on a roadway can put you and others at risk of another accident. If it’s safe to do so and the vehicle is operable, move it off the roadway, if necessary. If you have reflective triangles or other safety devices in your vehicle, use them to help alert other motorists that there’s a stopped vehicle ahead. Be aware of oncoming vehicles before you place them on the edge of the roadway.
- Check on all involved in the accident, if it is safe and you are able to do so.
- Get help. Call 911 for help if there are injuries, a fire, a hit-and-run accident or any situation requiring emergency assistance. If the police come to the scene, make sure to note the police department jurisdiction (province versus a town, for example) and the officer’s name to help obtain a police report later, if necessary.
- Exchange information with the other driver or drivers, if it’s safe to do so. Make sure you’re in a safe location, away from the side of the road. Collect the contact information, as well as the license plate numbers, make, model, insurance companies and policy numbers of all the involved vehicles. You also may want to collect contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
- Use your smartphone to take pictures of the accident scene and the involved vehicles, if it’s safe to do so. (Consider that it's probably not a good idea to post them on social media.) You may also want to take a video of the accident scene. It can be helpful to document road conditions, weather, and traffic control devices such as stop signs or lights.
- Contact Travelers Canada @ 1.800.661.5522
Learn the Steps to Take After An Accident
No one likes to think about the prospect of being in a car accident, but if you think ahead and understand what steps to take, you may feel better prepared for the unexpected. It may also help to know that you can count on Travelers Canada’s experienced claim professionals to honor our promise to care through science, data and heart.
Find a local independent broker or contact a Travelers representative to get a car insurance quote today.