Getting into a car accident, whether it was your fault or not, can be a stressful and overwhelming event for anyone. Often, the most stressful part comes in the weeks and months after the accident occurs, as dealing with insurance companies, injuries, and car repairs can become taxing. Some car accidents result in lawsuits, and you can learn more about car accident lawyers and legal help if you click here. Read on to learn what steps you should take after getting into a car accident.
1. See If There Are Any Injuries
If you or any passengers in your car are injured, call emergency services and wait for help to arrive. If you are unable to call, ask a bystander for help in getting an ambulance or medical attention.
2. Find a Safe to Go
After some severe accidents, it’s impossible to move your car out of the way without causing an additional hazard. If this is the case, leave it where it is and move yourself to a sidewalk or other space off the road. If possible, pull your car to the side of the road to prevent other cars from accidentally running into it.
3. Call the Police
Even the most minor car accidents should be reported to the police. After calling 911, wait for an officer to arrive at the scene to investigate. Having a police report is not only helpful, but it’s also a legal requirement in some states. A police report can provide an impartial account of what happened and what damages occurred as a result of the accident. Many insurance companies will ask for a police report to help them establish fault and process claims.
4. Exchange Information
Once you know that everybody is safe and taken care of, exchange insurance and contact information with the other person or people involved in the accident. The most important pieces of information to gather include the insurance company and policy number, driver’s license and plate numbers, the location of the accident, and the type, model, and color of the vehicle.
Now is not the time to exchange arguments about who was at fault or what you observed happen. A police report, documentation, and photographs will later be used by insurance companies to determine fault.
5. Document As Much As Possible
While you are waiting for police to arrive, try to take pictures and videos of the scene of the crash from all different angles. This can give insurance companies, and potentially lawyers, a better idea of what happened and who might be at fault.
Also document the names of everyone involved in the accident and even some witnesses that may have seen what happened. Finally, make sure you get a copy of the police report.
6. Call Your Insurance Agent
If you can call your insurance agent while you are at the scene, it can often allow you to get them everything they need to eventually process your claim. It’s important to call your agent as soon as you can to go through the details, and they can walk you through what to expect during the claims process.
Nobody wants to get in an accident, but following these steps when they occur can prevent them from becoming too overwhelming.
