When you’ve been in a car accident, it may be difficult to remain calm and take the necessary steps. Knowing about these ahead of time can actually help you do what you must if you ever find yourself in a difficult situation. So read on to learn what to do after a car accident.
Make a Survey
When the first shock of the accident subsides, make a quick survey of yourself, your passengers and your car. Check with everyone else in the vehicle, and get a sense of possible injuries and damage so that you know how to proceed.
Get to Safety
Next, get to safety. This might mean driving off to the shoulder if your car will still move. Otherwise, get out of the car and away from traffic if at all possible.
Call for Help
As soon as you’ve gotten to safety, dial 911 for help. A car accident is usually an emergency, and the police and paramedics should come to provide assistance and at least check you over for injuries. If the accident is only a fender bender and there are clearly no injuries involved, you might call the non-emergency number for your police or sheriff’s department. Don’t skip this step even if the other driver would prefer not to get the authorities involved. You need an official record of what has happened. Moreover, in order to ensure that you do not miss out on communicating any important aspect related to the accident to the authorities, you might also consider contacting an accident attorney.
Exchange Information
Exchange information with the other driver. Write down names, addresses and phone numbers. Get insurance company names and policy numbers. Record the make, model and year of the car or cars involved. All this will be helpful later on.
Watch What You Say
As you talk to the other driver and the police, be mindful of what you say. Don’t admit to fault, even if you think you probably caused the accident. Also, be careful not to lose your temper. Stay calm, and remain circumspect.
Document Everything
Even when you’re still at the scene of the accident, you should begin to document everything. Take plenty of pictures showing damage to the cars. You might also use your phone to voice record your impressions, descriptions of what happened and notes about injuries and damage. Later, write down full accounts of the accident, and keep track of medical appointments, car repairs and other accident-related occurrences.
Call Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. You’ll have to talk to the claims department to get the process started. When you call, have all of your information and documentation in front of you. Be aware that working with the insurance company could take some time and effort, and you might run into difficulties. Keep a log of communication with the company, noting when you called, whom you talked to and the response you received.
Talk to a Lawyer
Finally, if you experience major issues with your insurance company or other aftereffects from the accident, you may need to consult with an accident attorney. Do an online search for lawyers in your area, and read some reviews. Then choose one who offers the services you need. A car accident can be a mere annoyance or a life-changing event, but you should be prepared to take the right steps no matter what.
