September 1, 2025
When you're in a car accident, knowing what to do next can save you time, money, and stress. Here's a quick guide to help you handle the situation effectively:
Taking these steps ensures your safety, protects your legal rights, and speeds up the recovery process.
Your first priority after an accident is ensuring the safety of everyone involved. Taking quick, careful steps can help prevent further injuries and keep traffic flowing smoothly.
If your car is drivable, move it out of traffic as soon as possible. Idaho law allows you to reposition your vehicle on divided highways like I‑84 or other interstates without automatically assigning fault, as long as it’s done safely. On regular city roads like State Street, move your car without obstructing traffic unnecessarily. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
Once you’re in a safe location, check for injuries in your vehicle and others nearby. If anyone is hurt or complains of pain, call 911 immediately. Avoid moving injured individuals unless they’re in immediate danger, as moving them could worsen injuries, especially to the neck or back. Keep in mind that some injuries may not be obvious right away, so take note of any discomfort for later medical evaluation.
After ensuring everyone’s safety, you’ll need to document the accident.
Once you’ve moved to a secure spot, take steps to warn other drivers. Use emergency flares, triangles, or your hazard lights to alert oncoming traffic and give them time to slow down or change lanes. This becomes even more critical during Idaho’s winter months when snow and fog can reduce visibility.
Stay clear of traffic lanes. Secondary accidents are common on Idaho roads, so it’s best to stay inside your vehicle or stand far from the road until help arrives.
Leaving the scene before exchanging information or speaking with the police is a misdemeanor in Idaho. While waiting, avoid discussing accident details with others until law enforcement or insurance representatives are involved.
Once you've ensured your safety and marked the accident scene, your next step is gathering all the necessary details. Proper documentation is essential for filing insurance claims and managing repairs effectively.
Exchange key details with all other drivers involved. Be sure to collect their full name, address, and phone number [6–8]. Additionally, take note of their driver's license number, the state that issued it, and the date it was issued [6–8]. If someone is reluctant to share their insurance information, make a note of that as well.
For insurance purposes, write down the name of their insurance company, their policy number, and the company's contact details, including the address and phone number [6–8]. If they don’t have a business card handy, ask them to jot this information down for you or write it yourself.
Don’t forget to document the vehicles involved. Record the make, model, year, color, and license plate number of each car [6–8]. Locate the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), usually found inside the driver’s side door. This 17-character code is crucial for identifying the car's exact specifications.
If there were passengers in any of the vehicles, ask for their names and contact information. They could serve as witnesses later, providing valuable input if needed.
Photograph the accident scene from multiple perspectives. Capture wide-angle shots to show the overall scene and close-ups of any damage to the vehicles, including dents, scratches, or broken parts. Be sure to also include the license plates of all involved cars and any visible injuries.
Document the conditions around the scene. Take photos of road conditions, traffic signs, skid marks, and debris. Record the exact date, time, and location of the accident. Note additional details like weather conditions, road surface (wet, dry, or icy), and visibility at the time of the crash.
Write a brief, clear description of what happened while the details are fresh in your mind. Include information like the direction each vehicle was traveling, estimated speeds, and any traffic signals or signs present. If there are witnesses, collect their names, phone numbers, and a short statement about what they saw.
Be mindful of unusual factors that could have contributed to the accident, such as construction zones, broken traffic lights, or road hazards. These details can be critical when determining fault.
Avoid making statements that suggest blame. Accidents happen quickly, and your initial understanding of the situation might not reflect the full picture [9, 10, 14, 16]. Factors like weather, road conditions, mechanical failures, or another driver's actions could also play a role.
Insurance companies may interpret any admission of fault as a reason to deny or reduce your claim [9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15]. Even casual remarks like "I didn’t see you" or "I’m sorry this happened" can be used against you later [9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16].
Stick to the facts when speaking with police officers. Share only what you observed, without speculating about fault or making assumptions. Remember, anything you say can end up in the official accident report, which plays a major role in determining liability for insurance and legal purposes [9, 10, 12, 13, 15].
Keep conversations with other drivers brief, focusing solely on exchanging necessary information. Stay calm and collected throughout the process [9, 13, 14]. Ultimately, fault is determined by evidence such as photos, witness statements, and expert analysis - not by emotional remarks made at the scene [9, 13].
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary documentation, it’s time to take the next critical steps: securing official records and notifying your insurance company. These actions are crucial for safeguarding your rights and ensuring a smooth claims process.
Reach out to the Boise Police Department immediately. Many insurance providers require an official police report to process claims. In Idaho, it’s also a legal obligation to report accidents that involve injury, death, or significant property damage.
If anyone is hurt or the accident is blocking traffic, call 911 right away. Stay at the scene until the police complete their investigation - leaving early could lead to legal complications.
When speaking with the officer, provide a clear and factual account of what happened. Be sure to ask for the report number, the officer’s name, and their badge number. You’ll need these details when filing your insurance claim.
Police reports are typically available a few business days after the incident. To obtain a copy, contact the Boise Police Department’s records division (a small fee may apply). This report will include key details like any citations issued and a diagram of the accident scene, making it an essential document for your claim.
Once you’ve secured the police report, the next step is to notify your insurance company.
Report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible - ideally within 24-48 hours. Most insurance policies require timely reporting, and delays could complicate your coverage. Have your policy number, the police report information, and any evidence you’ve gathered ready when making the call.
Your insurer will assign a claims adjuster and provide you with a claim number - make sure to note it down for future reference. The adjuster will guide you through the process and let you know if any additional documents are needed.
When describing the accident, stick to the facts you observed and documented. Share the police report number, photos, and witness contact information if available. Avoid speculating or offering opinions - just provide the facts.
If your policy includes rental car coverage, confirm the details with your insurer. Many policies cover rental vehicles, but there might be daily limits or restrictions on the type of car you can rent. Understanding these terms early will help you plan for transportation while your vehicle is being repaired.
Your insurance company will also explain your deductible and outline the claims process. Keep a detailed log of all interactions with your insurer, including dates, times, and the names of representatives you speak to. This record can be incredibly helpful if any issues arise during the claims process.
Once you've dealt with the police report and notified your insurance company, your next step should be addressing any potential injuries. Some injuries from accidents can take hours or even days to show symptoms, so getting a medical evaluation is not just about your health - it’s also essential for any future insurance claims. Proper documentation is key.
Make it a priority to see a doctor within 24-48 hours. After an accident, adrenaline and shock can mask symptoms, making you feel fine even if something is wrong. Injuries like whiplash, concussions, or soft tissue damage often don’t reveal themselves until a day or two later.
If you have a primary care physician, start there for your evaluation. If not, urgent care clinics in Boise are a great alternative and can provide a thorough exam. Be sure to mention that your visit is related to a car accident. This ensures the medical staff knows what to look for and properly documents the incident.
During your appointment, don’t overlook any discomfort, no matter how small it seems. Talk about headaches, stiffness, soreness, or anything unusual. Your doctor will likely check your range of motion, examine your neck and back, and may order imaging tests like X-rays if necessary.
If you experience more severe symptoms - such as ongoing headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, or intense pain - don’t wait. These could indicate serious issues like a traumatic brain injury or internal damage, which require immediate attention at an emergency room.
After your evaluation, make sure to keep a record of everything. This documentation could be critical if you need to file a claim later.
Hold on to every piece of medical documentation related to the accident. This includes examination reports, test results, prescriptions, therapy records, and all medical bills. These documents are essential for proving your case to insurance companies or in legal proceedings.
Organize everything in one place. For each visit, note the date, provider's name, treatment received, and total cost. If you need ongoing care, like physical therapy or chiropractic treatment, those expenses can add up quickly. Keep track of all out-of-pocket costs, such as co-pays, deductibles, or treatments not covered by insurance. Depending on your policy, your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage may reimburse these expenses.
If your doctor recommends follow-up appointments or refers you to specialists, make sure to attend every visit and keep those records as well.
Finally, document any time you miss from work. Ask your doctor for a written note that outlines any work restrictions or time off you need. Lost wages might be recoverable through your insurance claim, but you'll need proper documentation to back it up.
Once you've taken care of your health and necessary paperwork, it's time to focus on getting your car back in shape. Franklin Auto Body is here to help you get your vehicle safely back on the road.
If your car isn’t safe to drive or is completely out of commission, don’t take any chances by attempting to drive it yourself. Franklin Auto Body provides towing services to ensure your vehicle is transported safely to their shop. Once there, they offer free damage assessments, which can help speed up both the insurance claim process and the actual repairs.
Their I‑CAR GOLD CLASS certified technicians perform a thorough inspection to uncover not just the visible damage but also any hidden issues that might compromise your car’s safety or performance.
When it comes to collision repairs, the quality of parts and workmanship makes all the difference. Always choose OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts. These parts are made by the same company that produced your vehicle's original components, ensuring they meet the same safety and performance standards. While aftermarket parts may seem like a cheaper option, they can compromise safety systems and may not perform as reliably in future incidents.
Franklin Auto Body’s I‑CAR GOLD CLASS certification means their technicians stay up-to-date with the latest repair techniques. Plus, their work is backed by a limited lifetime warranty for as long as you own your vehicle, giving you peace of mind about the durability of the repairs.
Franklin Auto Body goes beyond basic collision repair to make your post-accident experience as hassle-free as possible. They offer deductible assistance and financing options to help ease the financial burden of repairs. Throughout the process, they keep you informed with regular updates on your car’s progress, so you’re never left in the dark.
Need a rental car? They’ll handle the arrangements for you. They also take care of insurance paperwork and provide diagnostic checks both before and after repairs to ensure your vehicle’s systems are functioning perfectly.
Franklin Auto Body has earned its reputation in the Boise area for delivering quality repairs and excellent customer service. Their comprehensive approach means you can focus on your recovery while they work to restore your car to its pre-accident condition.
Following a collision, having a clear plan can make all the difference in how smoothly you recover. From ensuring safety to handling repairs, every step matters. That’s where Franklin Auto Body comes in.
Since 1985, Franklin Auto Body has been simplifying the repair process for Boise drivers. Their reputation speaks for itself, with a 4.8-star rating from 199 reviews and a 97% customer recommendation rate. Their I-CAR GOLD CLASS certified technicians take care of everything - from the initial estimate to the final quality check - using OEM parts to ensure your vehicle meets factory standards.
Franklin Auto Body doesn’t just stop at repairs. They aim to make the entire process as stress-free as possible. With financial assistance options to help manage repair costs and a limited lifetime warranty on their work, they provide peace of mind for as long as you own your vehicle.
Recovering from an accident is never easy, but having a reliable partner by your side can make it manageable. Franklin Auto Body’s decades of experience in the Boise community mean they know exactly how to support local drivers during tough times. They handle the details, so you can focus on getting back on the road safely.
Choosing certified repairs today ensures your vehicle’s safety and performance for years to come. By trusting experienced professionals who use OEM parts and follow manufacturer guidelines, you’re protecting yourself and your passengers every time you drive.
If you're involved in a car accident in Boise, your top concern should be safety. Start by checking yourself and others for any injuries, and call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if necessary. If the situation allows, move your vehicle to the side of the road to prevent additional risks.
Once everyone is safe, focus on documenting the scene. Snap photos of the vehicles, any visible damage, and the surrounding area. Exchange contact and insurance details with the other parties involved, but steer clear of making statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Afterward, contact your insurance provider to report the incident and begin planning for repairs. Opt for a reliable collision center and insist on OEM parts to maintain your vehicle's safety and performance standards.
After a car accident, it's crucial to visit a doctor - even if you feel perfectly fine. Injuries like whiplash, concussions, or internal damage often don’t show symptoms right away but can become serious if left untreated. A thorough medical evaluation can help uncover these hidden problems early and ensure you receive the proper care.
Make sure to keep all your medical records well-organized, including doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment plans. These documents are essential if you need to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action, as they clearly outline your injuries and associated medical costs. Taking charge of your health and maintaining detailed records now can save you a lot of hassle down the road.
Choosing a certified repair shop, such as Franklin Auto Body, means your vehicle is repaired with a focus on safety and top-notch quality. Certified shops adhere to strict industry standards and use OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts. These parts are specifically designed to fit your vehicle seamlessly, ensuring it performs as it should. This approach helps preserve your car’s safety systems, dependability, and even its resale value.
What’s more, certified technicians undergo continuous training to keep up with the latest repair methods and technologies. By opting for a certified shop, you minimize the chances of future problems or expensive fixes. It’s a choice that brings peace of mind, knowing skilled professionals are taking care of your vehicle.
