Many of us are involved in a vehicle crash at least once in our lifetimes. Knowing what to do after a car accident helps you stay calm and handle the situation with ease.
Unsure about the right thing to do? In this guide, we share the steps to take after a car accident.
1. Check Yourself And Passengers For Injuries
After a vehicle crash, the first thing you want to do is determine whether you have any injures. If you’re seriously injured, stay put and wait for help to arrive.
Next, you’ll want to check on the passengers and determine whether they’re hurt. When passengers are injured, try not to move them in the event things are more serious than they appear.
2. Move To Safety
Staying on the road after an accident is a hazard. It puts yourself and other drivers at risk and can cause more accidents. If you’re able to move your vehicle, pull it over to the side of the road.
If the accident was more serious, turn your hazards on and leave the vehicle where it is. Get yourself and passengers to safety and stand on the shoulder away from oncoming cars. If anyone has injuries and you need to stay in the vehicle, turn your hazards on and wait for help.
3. Call For Help
Call emergency services as soon as possible after an accident. Even if it’s minor, you’ll still want to call the local police to file a report. Police imports are beneficial when submitting your insurance claim.
Make sure to note the reporting officer’s name and contact information.
4. Exchange And Document Information
When another driver is involved, you should exchange names and insurance information. In addition, you should jot down their license plate and license numbers, as well as the color, make, and model of the vehicle.
Take photos of the accident, the cars involved, and the scene. Document the exact location the accident took place and include street names if you can. All this information helps with both the police report and filing insurance claims.
5. Contact Your Insurance
Notifying your insurance company is one of the most vital tasks after a vehicle crash. Forgetting to inform them of an accident can make you liable for any damages that occurred. Learn more about damage responsibilities at schultzmyers.com.
Your insurance representative can help go over your options and what damages they cover under the claim. They will help you get immediate repairs or set you up with a rental vehicle.
Some advice after a car accident is to never accept or admit blame to the other driver. Accepting blame could make you responsible for damages. It’s always best to let the insurance company review the facts and decide fault.
Know What To Do After A Car Accident
A car accident, even a minor one, can be a stressful event. When you know what to do after a car accident, you’ll be able to stay calm and handle the situation responsibly.
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