Greenzalis Insurance Group


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What to do if you are involved in an accident:


1. Take a deep breath and asses the situation.

You’ll have to use your best judgement in an accident situation but we can offer up some general “rules of thumb” to help you. First it’s a good idea to take a look around and make sure everyone is involved and assist where needed. If it’s safe to do so you might want to consider taking a few pictures but keep in mind, getting out of your car in traffic is usually not a good idea. If the car is driveable move it to the side of the road. If it’s not driveable, put on the hazard lights and remain in the car. Use good common sense here. If your car or the other persons car is smoking or on fire get out and away from the cars as fast as you can.

2. Call the authorities.

Call 911. Be patient. It usually doesn’t take long for the police to arrive but in some rural situations it could take longer than you’d like. Whatever you do don’t leave the scene until the police have completed their investigation and issued citations. Also, it’s a good rule of thumb to be cooperative and not get in the way of the police. They will ask you questions when they need information from you.

Look around and reassess everyones medical condition and talk to the police if you notice anything/anyone that needs attention.

3. Grab your your roadside emergency kit out of your trunk.

Oops, don’t have one? Below is what you need to purchase. There are some good, inexpensive, pre-made kits available at stores like WalMart, Costco, Sears and some auto parts stores.

Your roadside emergency kit should include:

  1. •camera - most cell phones have a camera built in. Disposable cameras work well too.

  2. •pencil or pen and a notepad to write on.

  3. •your medical insurance card and/or a list of family medical conditions that can help the paramedics in case you can’t communicate.

  4. •names and numbers of people to call in an emergency.

  5. •basic first aid supplies

  6. •flares

  7. •mylar blankets

  8. •flashlight


4. Gather information.

These days it’s probably best to stay silent until the authorities reach the accident scene. Below is what the police will be collecting. In cases where the police don’t come make sure you get the following:

  1. •name

  2. •address

  3. •phone numbers

  4. •driver license number

  5. •license plate number

  6. •insurance company and policy number

  7. •pictures


If you own an iPhone, download Nationwide’s free app from the App store on iTunes. It’s free and is a wonderful resource.

5. Did anyone witness the accident?

Sometimes people involved in accidents don’t tell the truth (I know, hard to believe isn’t it). To protect yourself, look around and see if anyone saw the accident. If they did, kindly ask if you can take their name and phone number in case a witness is needed.

6. Never admit wrongdoing.

Always let the police and the insurance companies decide who was at fault. They have the knowledge and experience to sort things out. Keep quiet when it comes to speaking with the other people involved. You have nothing to gain by “being nice”.

7. Are you hurt or shaken-up?

If so, tell someone to call an emergency squad if they haven’t already. If you are just shaken-up a bit resist the urge to do a self diagnosis and share it with the other party. What you say may be held against you at a later date. Better off to share your injury concerns with a medical professional.

8. Know your policy.

Call us for an “On Your Side” review of your policy(s) and let’s make sure you are covered in case of an accident. Do you have towing coverage? Medical payment coverage? Rental car coverage?

9. Take pictures and notes.

Again, some people have an aversion to the truth. Let’s hope you never meet up with one in an accident situation. But, just in case you do take pictures of the scene with your cell phone camera or any camera you can get your hands on. Take pictures of the damage on all cars, skid marks, damaged property, the intersection....anything that you think may help in case the other person misrepresents things.

10. Go see a Doctor.

If you think you have an injury get to the Doctor right away. Best to get things taken care of and treated before they become big problems.

  1. 11. Call your insurance company.

They are there to help! That’s what you pay them to do so call as soon as you can. They will take a recorded statement and ask for information from the mishap.  Even if you think things are of little or no consequence you should call. You never know what the other person is reporting. Best to get your side of the story to your insurance company so they can protect your interests.

12. Do you have a lawyer?

If you do give them a call. When things seem downright confusing they can help. Better to to get his/her take on the matter than not.

13. Get your stuff.

If your car is being towed and you are not in need of medical attention AND the car is safe to enter, remove your valuables. If you are not able to do it ask the tow truck driver or the police to do it for you.

14. It’s just an accident.

And.....it’s just a car. They can be replaced. People can’t. So...if you have your health and everyone else involved does too...be thankful.

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