What to Do Right After a Student Driver Accident
Stop, stay safe, and document what happened
If you are in an accident, your first job is to make sure nobody needs medical help. Turn off your engine, turn on your hazard lights, and move to a safe spot if the car is drivable and you are not injured. If anyone is hurt or the car cannot move, call 911. If everyone is okay and traffic allows, move both vehicles out of the roadway to prevent another collision.
Once you are safe, call the police non-emergency line (not 911) to report the accident. In South Carolina, you are required to report any accident that causes injury or property damage over a certain amount — your insurance company will tell you what that threshold is. The police report creates an official record that both your insurance company and the other driver's will need.
While you wait for police, turn on your phone's camera. Take photos of the damage to both vehicles, the accident scene, road conditions, traffic signs, and the position of both cars. Get wide shots and close-ups. These photos are yours to keep and will help your insurance company understand what happened.
Key Takeaways
- Call 911 if anyone is injured; call the police non-emergency line to report property damage, which is required by South Carolina law.
- Take photos of vehicle damage, the scene, road conditions, and both cars' positions before anyone moves them.
- Get the other driver's name, phone number, address, driver's license number, license plate, vehicle make and model, and insurance company and policy number.
- Write down the names and contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident happen.
- Report the accident to your insurance company within 24 hours, and keep copies of the police report, photos, and witness statements.
Collect information from the other driver
Before the other driver leaves, get their full name, phone number, and home address. Ask to see their driver's license and take a photo of both sides. Write down their license plate number, vehicle make, model, and year. Ask for their insurance company name and policy number, and photograph their insurance card if they will let you.
Do not admit fault or apologize for the accident, even if you think it was your mistake. Anything you say can be used against you later. Stick to the facts: "I was stopped at the red light" or "I was turning left." Let the police report and the insurance companies determine who was at fault.
If the other driver becomes hostile or refuses to share information, do not argue. Note their appearance, vehicle details, and license plate, and let the police handle it. The police report will document the refusal.
Get witness information before they leave
If anyone saw the accident happen, ask for their name, phone number, and what they saw. Write it down or take a photo of their contact information. Witnesses are crucial because they have no stake in the outcome — their account carries weight with insurance companies and, if needed, in court.
Do not pressure a witness to stay if they need to leave, but make it clear that their information helps. You can say, "I am a student driver, and your account of what happened would really help me." Most people will give you their contact details if you ask directly.
Report the accident to your insurance company
Contact your insurance company within 24 hours. Have ready the other driver's information, the police report number, your photos, and witness contact details. Your insurance company will assign an adjuster who will contact the other driver's insurance company to sort out who pays for what.
Be honest with your insurance company about what happened. They are on your side, but they need accurate information to defend you. Tell them exactly what you were doing, what you saw, and what you think caused the accident. If you are not sure about something, say so — guessing can hurt your case later.
Ask your insurance company for a claim number and the adjuster's direct phone number. Write these down. You will need the claim number to track the repair process and to file any additional claims if damage shows up later.
Understand what happens next with repairs
Your insurance company will either send an adjuster to inspect the car or direct you to a repair shop they work with. The adjuster will estimate the cost of repairs and decide whether to pay for them or declare the car a total loss (usually if repair costs exceed 70 to 80 percent of the car's value, though this varies by insurer).
If the other driver was at fault, their insurance company pays for repairs. If you were at fault, your insurance company pays, and you may owe a deductible (often $500 to $1,000 for student drivers). If both drivers share fault, each insurance company pays a percentage.
Get a written estimate from the repair shop before work begins. Keep all receipts and documentation. If the repair takes longer than expected or costs more than the estimate, ask the shop to contact your insurance adjuster before proceeding.
Keep records of everything
Create a folder — physical or digital — and keep copies of the police report, all photos you took, the other driver's information, witness statements, your insurance company's claim number, the adjuster's contact information, repair estimates, and receipts. Do not throw anything away for at least three years.
If the other driver's insurance company contacts you, be polite but do not agree to anything without talking to your insurance company first. Do not sign documents or accept settlement offers without understanding what you are signing.
If you are a student driver under your parents' insurance, tell them about the accident immediately. They need to know because the claim will affect their policy and rates. Hiding an accident from your parents or your insurance company can void your coverage and create legal problems.
What to do if the other driver has no insurance
If the other driver cannot show proof of insurance, report this to the police officer at the scene. Write down everything you remember about the driver and vehicle. Your own insurance company has coverage called uninsured motorist protection that may pay for your repairs even if the other driver has no insurance.
Contact your insurance company and tell them the other driver was uninsured. Your adjuster will handle the claim under your uninsured motorist coverage. You will still owe your deductible, but your insurance will cover the rest. This is why having uninsured motorist coverage is important — ask your parents whether your policy includes it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to call the police if it is just a small fender bender?
South Carolina law requires you to report any accident involving property damage or injury to the police. Even a small dent counts. The police report is essential for your insurance claim, so call the non-emergency line. It takes 15 minutes and protects you later.
What if I was partially at fault?
Tell your insurance company exactly what happened, including anything you think you did wrong. Insurance companies and courts use a concept called "comparative fault" — you may still recover some money even if you were partly responsible. Lying about fault will only hurt you if the other driver's account contradicts yours.
Can the other driver sue me for more than insurance covers?
Yes, if the damage or injuries exceed your policy limits. This is why your parents carry liability coverage — it protects you if you cause serious damage. Ask them what your policy limits are so you understand your exposure.
How long does it take to settle an accident claim?
Simple claims with clear fault usually settle in two to four weeks. Complex claims with injuries or disputes over fault can take months. Your adjuster will give you a timeline after they review the police report and photos.
Will this accident raise my parents' insurance rates?
If you were at fault, yes — rates typically go up for three to five years. If the other driver was at fault, your rates should not increase. This is another reason to be honest with your insurance company and to gather evidence at the scene.