What to Do After a Car Accident
Did you know that there are about six million yearly car accidents in the United States? One out of every five car crashes that end in injury is caused by distracted drivers.
About three million people sustain injuries in car accidents each year. Two million people sustain permanent injuries every year due to car accidents in the U.S.
If you’ve just been in a car accident, it can be a scary moment. Keep reading to learn what you should do immediately afterward.
You Have to Stop and Assess the Damage
The most important thing to do after you’ve had a car crash is to stop. Whether it’s a barely visible dent or a more serious multiple car pile-up, stopping after an accident is of utmost importance.
You first want to make sure that everyone in your car is out of harm’s way. You should also check on the other car involved in the accident and make sure everyone there is safe, and no one needs life-saving medical attention. This is also the moment where you’ll want to take an initial look at any damage to your vehicles.
Try to Keep Your Cars Where They Are
After an auto accident, you’ll want to make sure everyone is safe before doing anything else. You should also, however, try to keep your cars as they are after a crash.
A police officer will help you move somewhere safer when they arrive. This will help everyone involved document everything about the accident, and it will help with any reports or claims that will be filed.
Of course, you don’t want to stay in harm’s way or dangerously obstruct traffic. If this is the case, and you’ll able to move your car safely to the side of the road on your own, go ahead and do so. Another option is to keep the hazard lights on to warn other cars you’re stuck in place if you aren’t able to move your car.
Call a Police Officer to the Scene
Calling a police officer to the scene of an accident is a crucial step. You might think it unnecessary, especially if the accident is no more than a scratch to your car’s bumper, but it’s important to document everything.
When you reach the step about filing with your insurance company, you’ll need an accident report to process your claim. This is why calling the police is the right thing to do. A police officer will take down all accounts of the accident and make a report that can better help everyone involved understand what happened.
Try to Avoid Talking to the Other People Involved
While asking if everyone is safe is necessary, the conversation shouldn’t extend much further than that with the other people involved in the accident. You want to avoid talking about the events of the accident in order to prevent admitting fault in any way.
The police officer on the scene and their written report will help clarify the events of the accident without you needing to speak to the other people involved.
Make a Record of Everything
Keeping records of everything will make the whole process a lot easier for you. Organizing all your documents will make processing any type of car accident injury claim much simpler; you’ll also be able to find any paperwork you need without a hassle.
While a detailed police report will contain all the important information, you’ll want to make sure that you have a written copy of all the facts about the accident. Make sure to have the location, time, and date of the accident in writing.
You’ll also want to have all car information, license plates, and driver’s license numbers, as well as phone numbers, addresses, and names.
Capture Photographic Evidence
For your peace of mind and record-keeping, take pictures of all cars involved in the accident. Make sure you capture all damage to the cars so that you can provide additional information to your insurance company. You should also take photos of any visible injuries you may have after seeking medical attention if needed, of course.
Talk to Your Car Insurance Company
Now that you’ve filed a police report, have all the necessary information and documentation, as well as photographs of the accident, it’s time to talk to your insurance company.
An agent will get you started in processing the claim and will let you know if the company requires additional information from you. They’ll also let you know what type of coverage you have and how it can benefit you in the process.
Deal With Car Accident Injuries
While seeking urgent medical care is the first thing you should do for serious injuries after a crash, some injuries may not be so apparent. If you aren’t sure if you’ve suffered any injuries, go to your local emergency room anyway. Preventing any serious physical repercussions is most important.
Some injuries leave permanent damage or create chronic pain that you might have to deal with for a continuous period of time. Finding the right pain and injury management plan is crucial for your healing and something we can help you do.
Seek Legal Advice
You might want to talk to an attorney after your car accident to make sure you’re being treated fairly through every step of the process. An attorney can help you get the best compensation after damages and loss.
Get Any Necessary Repairs
Finding a reliable mechanic after an accident is crucial to getting the repairs necessary to get your car back on the road. Your insurance company can help you find a shop and can also assist you with car rental if needed.
The Necessary Steps to Take After a Car Accident
Getting into a car accident can be stressful even if there are no major injuries or damages to your cars. The steps listed above should guide you through the process.
Even minor injuries can leave you with pain, but our services can help you manage your pain and help you through all the common car accident injuries. Make sure to contact us to schedule an appointment with our team.
