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.

Read Other Blog Posts

Halloween Safety Tips with a Side of Insurance Wisdom

Halloween Safety Tips with a Side of Insurance Wisdom

Because spooky surprises are only fun when they’re part of the costume. From tripping hazards on dark walkways to costume mishaps and party liability, Halloween fun can come with hidden risks. Murphy Insurance Agency shares practical safety and insurance tips to help you keep your night frightfully fun and claim-free.
Read more
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month Are You Cyber-Smart at Home and at Work

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Are You Cyber-Smart at Home and at Work?

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month — the perfect reminder to stay vigilant about your digital safety. From phishing scams to hacked home devices, cyber threats can affect anyone. Learn practical tips to protect yourself at home and work, and see how personal cyber insurance can help safeguard your finances and identity.
Read more
Candle on table

Candle Safety Considerations

Candles provide a warm ambiance for an intimate dinner, a sparkling decoration for a birthday cake or a nice scent for your home. Ambiance aside, candles can be a fire hazard if they are left unattended or placed where they can start other objects on fire. If you enjoy candles, be sure to follow these tips to use them safely.
Read more
Introducing the Murphy Insurance Condominium Owner’s Manual Your Guide to Preventing Costly Condo Repairs & Damages SMM

Introducing the Murphy Insurance Condominium Owner’s Manual: Your Guide to Preventing Costly Condo Repairs & Damages

Murphy Insurance Agency has launched a new Condominium Owner's Manual designed to help you prevent costly home repairs and avoid common insurance claims. Backed by decades of real-world experience, this practical guide provides seasonal tips, safety advice, and a comprehensive maintenance checklist to protect your home—and your wallet—all year round. Download your copy today!
Read more
Deer Sign

Road Safety and Wildlife: What Drivers Need to Know

Every year, countless accidents occur because drivers aren't prepared for unexpected encounters with animals on the road. Whether it's a deer darting across a rural highway or a stray dog wandering into city traffic, these moments can be dangerous for both humans and animals. Staying alert and understanding how to respond in these situations can make a critical difference in preventing harm and keeping roads safer for everyone.
Read more
Quest for the Best 2025

We Did It Again! 5-Time Gold Winners in Quest for the Best

We’re proud to announce we’ve won Gold in MyFM 101.3’s Quest for the Best – Insurance Category for the 5th year in a row! Thank you to everyone who voted and continues to support us. If you're a client, we’re grateful for your trust. If you’re looking for a second opinion, we’d love the chance to earn your business.
Read more
Happy driver

The Benefits of Raising Your Limits

An overwhelming majority of states require individuals to carry insurance in order to operate a vehicle. While meeting these minimum limits may be enough to get you on the road, they may be inadequate if you are involved in a serious accident. For better protection, you may want to consider raising your limits to secure proper protection.
Read more
Murphy Insurance Team

27 Reasons to Work with Murphy Insurance Agency

For more than 88 years, Murphy Insurance Agency has been a trusted partner for families, individuals, and businesses across Massachusetts. As a family-owned and independent agency, we prioritize relationships over transactions, offering guidance and support tailored to your needs. With access to more than 25 top-rated carriers, we deliver personalized solutions, competitive options, and peace of mind. Discover 27 reasons why thousands have chosen Murphy Insurance to protect what matters most.
Read more
Personal Article Floater

What Is a Personal Article Floater—and Do You Need One?

Many people assume that their home or renters insurance covers all their personal belongings—but it's not always that simple. While these policies do offer significant protection, there are usually limits, especially when it comes to high-value or one-of-a-kind items. If you own something valuable, rare, or that you often take with you, you may want to consider adding a personal article floater to your coverage.
Read more

Visit Our Auto Insurance Page

Auto Insurance

At Murphy Insurance, we are here to assist you in obtaining the appropriate auto insurance. Choosing the appropriate auto insurance coverage can be overwhelming. Every insurance company has its unique offerings, making it challenging to compare options effectively. That’s where we shine. We simplify the process by helping you evaluate provider and policy choices, seek out discounts, and optimize your car insurance within your budget constraints. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with peace of mind, knowing that you and your loved ones are well-protected. Visit our auto insurance page to learn more.