Each car accident is different, but one commonality remains: the initial shock after it happens. Whether it happened suddenly or you saw it coming but were too late to react, a car accident can shock you badly enough that you don’t know what to do or how to react once it’s over.
As a result it may be more difficult to think straight if you are clueless about what needs to be done after experiencing it. Through this guide, we will help you know what you should do in case of a car accident.
Step 1: Check yourself and your passengers
Your health, as well as the health of your passengers, are the most important thing to check after an accident. Also, check to see if any of your passengers were hurt. If the accident involves a big crash, it is best to call 911 even if you only find a few scratches or tiny bruises. It is best to be sure because you might have an internal wound due to the car accident. This may not immediately show nor will it be immediately felt because of the shock you and your passengers are feeling.
Step 2: Move away from the traffic
If your car is still cable of moving, you can drive it to the side of the road to prevent it from blocking traffic and to prevent others from colliding with it. At night, the sense of sight can be compromised and it is possible that other drivers can’t see you.
On the other hand, if your car can’t be driven, it is best to step out of the car carefully and move away from the vehicle to somewhere safer lie the side of the road. A car blocking the road can be the cause of another accident and you don’t want to get additional injuries by staying in your vehicle.
Step 3: Call Emergency Services
After going somewhere safe, you can now call 911 to ask for help. Wait for help to arrive. The police can help with the traffic flow and help gather details about the accident to help determine whose at fault. Also, the documentation they get will help you to claim your insurance.
Step 4: Exchange Information
If the car accident involves another vehicle, you can exchange information with the other driver. Usually, you should get or exchange the following:
- Full name and contact number
- Insurance information
- Driver’s license
- Car’s plate number
- Car details like the make and model, color and type
- Location of the accident
Authorities suggest that both parties should avoid discussing who is at fault. Just give the facts so that the police officers can determine what exactly happened.
Step 5: Document the accident
Protect yourself and have evidence for your claims by taking pictures of the accident. It’s easy to take pictures with your phone but there is also some information you should ask. First is to know the officers who assisted you. The second is to ask for a copy of the police report. Also, you may ask the witnesses about what they’ve seen.
Step 6: Notify your insurer
The next step is to call your insurance agent to tell them about your situation and to start filing for a claim. Once they know your starting to file a claim, they will inform you of what you need to process your claim.
In order to really be successful with your claim, you need to know what your insurance policy covers so you’ll know what you can claim. You may also call them up to ask them so you can refresh your memory about the insurance you got for your vehicle.
Step 7: Be mindful of unsolicited towing services
It can be very tempting to get the service of the first tow truck on the scene but you have to remember to stick to the ones you called. It is possible that a towing service is included in your insurance and will be provided by the company. Authorities can also call up a towing company to move the vehicles.
It is best to avoid unsolicited towing services because you ‘ll never know what their motives are. On rare occasions, coincidence might lead a tow truck to your path and they might be able to really help you out. On the other hand, there are also some who simply pry on car accident victims and tow the vehicle with an expensive fee.
