The moments after a car accident are critical. During this time, you may be shaken up or even injured, but it is important to try to keep a clear head and focus. You need to gather as much information as you can to help your case because you will soon be fighting insurance companies to pay for your injuries and damages.

After a motor vehicle accident, you want to be sure to collect insurance information. This will help you to hold the other party accountable for his or her actions relating to the accident. It can also help to speed up the claims process.

You will need to get information about the accident first. Note the date, time and location. You also need to get information about the other driver and vehicle, including contact information and the license plate number.

As for the insurance information, you need to get the name of the insurer and policy number. You also should get the name of the main policyholder. That person may be someone other than the driver of the vehicle. This is important to know because the insurance information is associated with the policyholder’s name only. Make sure you get contact information for the insurance company as well. In addition, get the policy effective dates if you can.

Ideally, you should get as much information as possible about the other driver, vehicle and insurance coverage. This will help you after everything at the scene of the accident is clear and you have to deal with insurance claims. This information is for education and is not legal advice.