Accidents can happen anytime, anywhere, no matter how careful you are. And there’s a high possibility that it will leave you shocked, dizzy, and even enraged if someone else is responsible for the accident.
No matter whose fault it is, you need to take some immediate steps based on the aftermath of the car crash. While most people become confused and stunned, it’s important to keep calm and take appropriate steps.
Starting from checking for injuries to claiming the insurance, there will be a lot of work that must be done so that you can go back to your normal life.
What to Do & What Not to Do After An Accident
Although the post-accident procedures are pretty straightforward, they must be handled carefully and smartly. Even a simple mistake can put you in unnecessary trouble.
Here are some tips and tricks that you must follow immediately after an accident.
Check If Anyone Gets Injured
The first thing you need to do after an accident is to check if anyone was injured, including your passengers and the people in the other car or on the road.
No matter how minor the injury seems, call 911 and have a thorough checkup of everyone. Sometimes, there can be an internal injury, which may cause severe damage later.
Some people carry a first-aid box in their car for emergency situations. If you’re one of those smart people, bring it out of your car immediately to see if you can take care of the affected individuals.
Report The Accident
Even if the damage seems relatively small, you must always report it to the police after a car accident. Whether you have insurance or not, the situation may get complicated if you don’t have the appropriate police report.
After the accident, the police officer will come and fill out a report to start further procedures based on the severity of the accident. Give every detail of the incident as accurately as possible.
After filing the report, take a copy with you, which will be helpful if you end up in court.
Hire a Lawyer
Whoever is at fault for the accident, it’s always good to hire an attorney to protect you and your family. Even your insurance provider may create troubles without any legal representative for you.
Besides, settling a claim by yourself can be extremely risky in case of injury and damages. That’s why you must hire an auto accident lawyer who can guide you through the legal procedures.
You may not be able to think clearly right after a car accident, which is quite normal. Let your attorney do that for you.For instance, when you’re working with one from the Joe Stephens Law Firm, you can focus instead on healing since you know that you’re in good hands with your lawyer.
Pull Over The Car In a Safe Place
The worst thing anyone can do after an accident is to run away with the car. While you won’t be able to escape, doing this will only make the situation worse.
If you see the car is still functional, move it to a safer place from the main road. In this way, you will be able to avoid possible traffic and more damage.
Turn on the hazard lights and set up the emergency triangle so that ongoing drivers can notice you. Get everyone out of the way if there’s a possibility of an explosion.
Exchange Vital Information
It’s crucial to exchange relevant information after a car accident, which will be helpful during the investigation.
Get information about the driver of the other car that was involved in the accident, such as name, contact number, address, license number, vehicle identification number, car model, etc. Also, get the name and contact numbers of the witnesses.
The other driver may not be interested to share information or make their insurance company involved. In that case, make a point to get the information from them.
Make a Document of The Accident
Unless you’re severely injured, you must document the accidents immediately after it happens. Take pictures of the damaged car, particularly the damaged part.
Also, capture some photos of the area, including other cars, traffic signs & signals, trees, animals, and anything that may have contributed to the accident.
Write down all the necessary details such as the date and time of the accident, weather, traffic condition, which direction you were going, speed of the car, etc.
Call The Insurance Company
Getting insurance coverage is essential to avoid the expense of your treatment and the repair of your car. That’s why you should call your insurance company while you’re still at the accident spot.
How your claim for the insurance shakes out relies on who was at fault and the types of insurance you signed up for.
The person you call can tell you how you should proceed to claim the insurance. He/she will guide you through the process, telling you what you can do and what you cannot do.
Do Not Admit Fault
Most people admit their fault to the other person, which can only worsen the situation. After the accident, do not try to admit your fault to the other driver. It may be used against you during the investigation.
Also, if you discuss the incident with other people, your mental image of the accident may get distorted. Remember, you must only discuss these things with the police and your attorney.
Do Not Start Fighting
Never start arguing or fighting with other people after you face an accident. It might not be your fault, but fighting with the other car’s driver can weaken your position during the hearing.
Sometimes, fighting can do more damage than the accident. It’s tough to think straight after an accident, and you may end up injuring the other guy, as well as yourself.
No matter who is responsible for the crash, stay calm and let the police and paramedics do their work.
Final Thoughts
Even the best driver can get into an accident. However, depending on how smartly you act after the car crash, you can recover the damage as quickly as possible.
Getting involved in a car crash can put a serious crimp on your regular activity, not to mention the damage it will do to your wallet. The more prepared you are, the better you can handle the fallout from an accident.
You made a good point that insurance will surely play a huge role when it comes to getting treatment from an auto accident doctor. A friend of mine accidentally crashed her car on her fences the other day due to an accidental acceleration. She sustained only a few bruises but I think she still needs to get her body checked.