Even the best driver can be involved in a car accident. When this happens it’s best to know exactly what to do after the accident. You want to make sure everyone’s safe and following the law whether you’re at fault or not.
So get comfy and let’s get started with car accident 101. Don’t forget to take notes!
Make Sure Everyone’s Safe
It’s natural to be in shock in the moments after a car accident. But your first step after shaking off the initial shock is making sure everyone is safe.
Check yourself and your passengers for any injuries. If you’re able to get out of the vehicle and make sure the people in the other vehicle are ok and not seriously injured.
Next, if possible move the damaged vehicles to the side of the road. If this isn’t possible you and your passengers should wait on the side of the road.
Call Emergency Services
After making sure everyone is safe, and unharmed the next step will be to call emergency services. If anyone is hurt be sure to tell the dispatcher that when you call. Be sure to give them your name, a description of the vehicles, and where the accident is located.
Take Pictures
After alerting the authorities about the accident you will want to start taking pictures of the vehicles. You’ll want to get pictures of both vehicles and all damage. You’ll also want to get pictures of the other vehicle’s license plate just in case.
You’ll also want to make sure that you exchange information with the other party involved in the accident. You’ll want their name, number, their insurance company, and address. This will be important in the next step.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Now that you’ve calmed down and contacted the police, and you’ve taken pictures, and exchanged information, it’s time to call your insurance company. They will tell you everything that they will need to complete your claim. This is also another reason why you need those pictures from earlier.
Be sure to give them detailed information about your accident like which direction you were traveling, your speed, who hit whom, among other details. But remember the insurance company has their best interest in mind, not yours.
That’s why you may need to make one last call.
Contact a Lawyer
After you’ve followed the previous steps it may be a good idea to contact a lawyer. They can give you a good idea of what to do next.
They can help you negotiate with the insurance companies. Not to mention help protect you should the other driver try to take you to court.
More Car Accident 101
Oftentimes, when a driver is involved in an accident it can be hard to remember all details of the wreck. That’s why you should never admit fault for the accident, let the police decide that.
We hoped you enjoyed our car accident 101 article. Don’t forget to check out our other articles and share on social media!
