Every year more than 2 million people are injured in a car accident. Unfortunately, accidents happen.
Whether it’s your fault or the other driver’s fault, do you know what to do after a car accident? There are things that you should always do to protect yourself. Keep reading to learn more so you know what to do after you get in a car accident.
Table of Contents
1) Safety First
Check for injuries. If someone is hurt, call 911 immediately to get help.
Then, if possible move the cars off the road to avoid getting hit by other vehicles. Use flares or emergency triangles to warn approach traffic. If any vehicle is on fire or in danger of an explosion, make sure everyone is out of harm’s way.
It’s important to try to stay as calm as possible even with the adrenaline pumping. Always take a moment to pause and take a deep breath.
2) Call the Police after a Car Accident
After you are in a safe place, you should always call the police even if people are not hurt. Some insurance companies will not cover an accident without a police report. You need a record of what happened.
3) Exchange Information and Document Accident Details
You should give your name and insurance information to the other drivers involved. Try to limit your interaction, and don’t blame the other person or admit guilt no matter who is at fault.
Information you should exchange and document includes:
- Name and insurance information of other drivers
- Contact information for witnesses
- Photos of the damage to all vehicles
- Police report number
- Police officer’s name and number
- Personal notes on what happened
You can also take photos of the insurance card and license plates for all the details. Keep all your documentation together.
Let the police determine who is at fault and avoid saying things like “it’s my fault.”
4) Talk to Your Insurance Company
Depending on if there are any injuries, some people will call their insurance company from the scene. Your insurance company will ask for details and get the accident report from the police department.
Wondering what to do after a minor car accident? Your agent will discuss whether you should pay damages out of pocket or file a claim. Every state’s laws are different.
Your insurance company will handle your claim and you will not need to talk to the other drivers.
5) Seek Medical Treatment
Whether you are injured or not, you should visit a doctor. Some injuries, such as whiplash, can take up to 24 hours to appear. Make sure you keep all documentation together from your office visits.
6) Get Legal Help After a Car Accident
If you feel you need legal help or suffered injuries, you should contact an attorney. Your attorney will take over dealing with the insurance companies and make sure you are compensated for your injuries. You can visit here to learn more about hiring a personal injury attorney.
Now, You Know What to Do After a Car Accident
Being in a car accident can be scary and stressful. With these steps, you know what to do after a car accident. Try to remain calm, get to safety, exchange information, get accident details, and see a doctor.
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