Accidents can be detrimental and draining sometimes. Both major and minor accidents can leave us confused, unsure of what to do, who to call, or what the next move should be. However, there are some basic steps that you should follow every time you are involved in an auto accident. These steps will be discussed in this article.
1. Ensure Everyone is Safe
The first step is to ensure everyone is safe and that no one is seriously injured. If the accident is minor with no significant injuries or casualties, move the car by the roadside and ensure your hazard lights are on. You can also put the reflective triangle to alert the other drivers to slow down. If the accident is severe, you should try to give first aid if you are in a position to.
2. Collect and Record Important Information
If you are not hurt, you must collect all the relevant information about the accident. Using a piece of paper and pen, you can put down information, such as the names, phone numbers, addresses, license numbers, and other personal details of everyone involved in the accident. You can also use your smartphone to take pictures and small video footage of what happened. If possible, gather the relevant information about the vehicle involved in the accidents, such as the make and model of the car, number plate, color, and the identification number. Recording the insurance policy number and company’s phone numbers is also essential. With your smartphone, you can record the damages caused by accidents. You should also check the impact of the accident on the car for both parties. The information you collect and the record will be vital in claiming compensation and calculating car insurance after an accident.
3. Report the Accident to Law Enforcement (911)
You need to call the police immediately through the toll number 911. The police will help write down a report involving the accident and help ease any traffic that may have been caused by accident. You should obtain an official statement from the police on what happened. You should also ensure that the police collected all the relevant information, especially the insurance data, for all parties involved.
4. Call Your Insurance Company
Sometimes people make the mistake of making a cash negotiation after an accident with the other party to avoid the long process of making an insurance claim. However, failing to notify your insurance company after an accident will make you liable for any damage that may arise from the accident. In some cases, the damage caused by accident can be more than what your eyes can see. Therefore, an insurance company needs to assess the damage’s intensity and determine the required compensation. With the police report and the information you collected and recorded, it is easier for the insurance company to determine who is at fault. Your insurance company will always provide helpful advice and navigate the various options to ensure that the damages caused by accident are fully covered. The insurance company can also offer a guideline and multiple channels you can use to make your claims, including apps and websites.
5. Call a Tow Truck if Needed
If your car’s damage is severe, you might need your vehicle to be towed to a repair center. Therefore, you can always call a tow truck near you to help tow your car. If you have a motor club membership, you are likely to enjoy the free roadside assistance, depending on the terms provided by the club. The police can also call the tow truck on your behalf, or you can also get help from the company you are working for. However, before calling a towing truck company, you must verify their credentials and service provision.
6. Visit a Doctor
You need to see a doctor immediately if you sustained some injuries in the accident. You can also go for some checkups even if you do not feel any pain after the accident. You need to record all the medical costs you will incur and other significant documents, such as the indirect effects caused as to how the accident affected your daily life and activities.
7. Contact an Auto Accident Attorney
Sometimes claiming and following up with the insurance company can be very complex. The other party may also fail to cooperate, or you might not be in a position to follow up with the case, significantly if you got injured in the accident. Therefore, you need an experienced attorney to help make a claim and follow up with the complex process. They can also represent you in court against the other party at fault. In cases where you suffered severe injuries, such as permanent injuries, you need to file a liability claim against the other party. For such cases, you need an experienced and professional auto accident lawyer with knowledge of handling these issues.
Wrapping Up
Every time you are involved in an accident, you must prioritize your safety and that of others. Make sure you take the safety measures first. There are cases where the other party hits and runs, and you are left stranded, unsure what to do. In such a case, you should try to capture the car’s number plate, which will help track it down. In addition, always ensure you record an official statement with the police immediately.