You’re sitting calmly in traffic drumming your fingers on the steering wheel when you hear the sound of brakes screeching from behind. Glancing in the rearview mirror, you see a car barreling toward you and brace for the crash.
In 2023, more than 5.25 million Americans experienced an auto accident, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). While we can’t always prevent accidents from happening, we can prepare for what to do when they occur.
First and foremost, your ERIE Agent is here for you and can guide you through the entire claims process. Our claims adjusters will also help determine the next steps for restoring or replacing your vehicle, and your online account or mobile app will keep you posted on the claims process.
A car accident is just that, an accident. If you find yourself in the aftermath you might notice that as the adrenaline drops off, your brain starts to whirl with questions. Often, the loudest one is, what nowall the police to report the accident. If someone needs medical attention at the scene, call 911If your vehicle needs to be towed, be cautious of predatory towing companies. Using them may result in expensive out of pocket charges. ERIE has a towing program, and you can request an accident tow by using your mobile app. If using a towing provider at the scene, be sure to obtain the towing company name, operator, contact information and location to where the vehicle is being toweDocument the scene. Take notes, photos, videos and voice memos. Make sure to get:
First, make sure everyone involved is safe. If your vehicle can be moved out of the roadway, do so. No matter what, be sure to turn on your hazard lights.
Next, remember to stay calm. Take some deep breaths and remember, with ERIE, you are not alone.
Call the police to report the accident. If someone needs medical attention at the scene, call 911
If your vehicle needs to be towed, be cautious of predatory towing companies. Using them may result in expensive out of pocket charges. ERIE has a towing program, and you can request an accident tow by using your mobile app. If using a towing provider at the scene, be sure to obtain the towing company name, operator, contact information and location to where the vehicle is being towed.
Document the scene. Take notes, photos, videos and voice memos. Make sure to get: