Moving is stressful enough without surprises, but what if your car gets into an accident in the middle of it all? You’ve got your life packed into boxes, maybe a rented moving truck or a trailer hitched to your car, and suddenly, you’re dealing with crumpled fenders and flashing lights. It’s a nightmare situation, but it’s one that some people have to face.
If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, knowing what to do can make all the difference. From making sure everyone is okay to sorting out insurance, here’s a guide to help you through it.
First Things First: Make Sure Everyone is Safe
The most important thing to do immediately after any accident is to check for injuries. Are you okay? Is anyone in your car hurt? What about the other vehicle? It’s easy to panic, especially if you’re in the midst of a big move and thinking about your belongings, but your safety and the safety of others should always take priority.
If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Even if the injuries seem minor, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If everyone is physically okay, try to move your vehicles to the side of the road or a secure area. If the accident is more serious, stay put and wait for emergency services to arrive.
Exchange Information and Document Everything
Once you’re in a safe place, it’s time to handle the logistics—exchange information with the other driver involved. You’ll want to record their name, phone number, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance information. Don’t forget to jot down the make and model of their car too.
Take plenty of photos. Snap pictures of the damage to both vehicles, the overall scene, road conditions, traffic signs, and anything else that might help explain what happened. If there are witnesses nearby, try to obtain their contact information as well. All of this will come in handy when you report the accident to your insurance company.
File a Police Report
Even if the accident seems minor, it’s smart to file a police report. Some states require it for insurance claims, and it provides an official record of what happened. The officer will usually ask questions about what led up to the crash and might speak to any witnesses.
If the police don’t arrive at the scene, go to the nearest police station as soon as possible and file a report there. Having documentation can protect you if there’s a dispute later on.
Check on Your Belongings
Now comes another layer of stress. If you were moving your stuff in the vehicle that got hit, you need to check on it. Were any boxes smashed? Did anything fly around or fall out? It might feel overwhelming, but take a few minutes to do a quick inventory.
Take photos of any damaged items and make a list. This can be helpful later if you need to file a claim through your renters, homeowners’, or auto insurance. If the items were in a moving truck or trailer, things might be more complicated, but we’ll get to that shortly.
What Does Insurance Cover?
Here’s where things get a bit tricky. What your insurance covers depends on several factors, including whether the vehicle involved was yours or a rental truck and the type of insurance policies you have in place.
If the accident happened in your car, your auto insurance should cover damage to the vehicle itself and possibly some of the items inside. However, personal belongings aren’t always covered under auto policies. That’s where renters’ or homeowners’ insurance might kick in, depending on the value and nature of the items lost.
If you rented a moving truck, the situation depends on the kind of insurance you purchased when you rented it. Most rental companies offer several tiers of coverage, but you might be on the hook for damage if you decline their protection. Additionally, your auto policy typically doesn’t cover large moving trucks, although it may cover smaller rentals or trailers.
If you’re using a moving company, their insurance may cover damaged items, but many companies offer only limited liability. That means you might get pennies on the dollar unless you purchased additional coverage.
Contact the Moving Company if They’re Involved
If you’re working with a moving company and their truck was involved in the accident, you’ll need to get in touch with them right away. Find out their process for handling accidents and ask what steps they require from you to report damage or delays.
Depending on the contract and who was driving, they might be liable for damages to your items. If you were behind the wheel of a rental or driving a trailer, then the responsibility might fall on you. It all depends on the terms of your agreement and the insurance coverage you opted for.
Delays may also necessitate rescheduling deliveries, adjusting storage plans, or incurring additional costs if items can’t arrive on time. The earlier you talk to the company, the better your chances of minimizing disruption.
Think About the Legal and Financial Side
If the accident was serious or if there’s any disagreement about fault, you might want to consult with a lawyer. For example, if you’re moving to or from Chicago, and the crash happened there. In that case, you might consider reaching out to experienced Chicago Car Accident Attorneys who understand local laws and can help guide you through the legal process. They can help you understand your rights, especially if you’re facing medical bills or significant property damage.
If you were at fault, your insurance may go up, and you might be responsible for damages to the other party. If the other driver was at fault, their insurance should cover your damages, but you may still have to deal with some out-of-pocket expenses before everything gets sorted out. It’s also worth consulting a trusted car accident lawyer at Ankin Law, especially if injuries or complicated insurance issues are involved.
In either case, keep all receipts related to the move and the accident, including any emergency lodging, alternate transportation, or replacement items you had to buy.
How to Get Back on Track
Once the dust settles, you still have to finish your move. Depending on the severity of the accident, you may need to rent an alternative vehicle, reschedule deliveries, or even find temporary storage if your new place isn’t ready.
If you’re delayed, be sure to notify your landlord or the seller of your new home about the issue. Most people will be understanding if you’re honest and keep them updated.
Try to rebuild your plan step by step. Prioritize getting essential items to your new home, and then deal with the rest as you’re able. Lean on friends and family if you need help getting through the final leg of the journey.
Take a Breath and Take Care of Yourself
Let’s not forget the emotional toll. Being in a car accident is upsetting on its own. Throw in the stress of moving, and it’s no wonder people feel overwhelmed.
Permit yourself to slow down a little. Take a day to rest. Even simple things, such as a hot shower, a decent meal, or simply sitting quietly for a while, can help calm your nerves.
If you’re feeling anxious or shaken, talk to someone. A friend, family member, or even a counselor can make a significant difference in your recovery.
Final Thoughts
No one ever wants to deal with a car accident, especially during a move. However, if it does happen, being prepared can help you stay grounded and protect your belongings, finances, and peace of mind.
Remember, safety comes first. Then focus on getting the details right, from documenting the scene to making the right insurance claims. And above all, take care of yourself. A setback like this is frustrating, but it doesn’t have to ruin your move. If you’re unsure who to turn to, working with an award-winning car accident attorney can provide peace of mind and experienced guidance during a difficult time. One step at a time, you’ll get where you’re going.
We hope you found this blog post on What Happens If You’re in a Car Accident During a Move?, useful. Be sure to check out our post on Traveling with Pets During a Move: Car vs Air Travel for more great tips!
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