1. Pull over to the side of the road and check for injuries: Assess the safety of yourself and any passengers in your car. If there are any injuries, call for medical assistance immediately.
2. Call the police: Regardless of the extent of the damage to either car, it is generally advisable to call the police to report the accident. This will create a record of the incident, which can be helpful if the other party makes a claim against you or your insurance company.
3. Find the vehicle's owner: Attempt to locate the owner of the other car. Check if the vehicle is registered in your state, this information might be displayed on a license plate sticker or placard.
4. Leave note detailing your contact: If you cannot find the owner at the scene, leave a note on the windshield of the other car with your name and contact information. Explain that you were involved in an accident, apologize, and provide instructions on how the owner can reach you to discuss the matter.
5. Contact your insurance company: Inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with all the details you can remember, including pictures you took at the scene and the note you left on the other vehicle's windshield if applicable.
6. Monitor your mail for potential communication: Be prepared to receive correspondence from the other party or their insurance company. Stay in communication and respond to any requests for information promptly.