What to Do After Getting in a Car Accident: A Quick Guide
Did you know that in 2020, more than 38,000 U.S. drivers died in car accidents? Although there were fewer drivers on the road, it’s the highest recorded total since 2007.
No one wants to get into a car accident. It can be a daunting experience, leaving you with physical, emotional, and mental scars.
However, do you know what to do after getting in a car accident? If not, follow our guide for insight into navigating the situation if you happen to come across it.
1. Check for Injuries
When you get into a car accident, you should first check yourself and passengers for injuries. If you or another person is severely injured, call 911 immediately.
However, if you’re in an accident with no passengers and have sustained severe injury, sit tight and wait for emergency personnel.
2. Get to Safety
After checking for injuries, get to safety. If it was a minor car accident, pull your vehicle to the side of the road so you’re not in the middle of traffic.
But if the car is undrivable, leave it right where it is and get yourself out of harm’s way. If you have warning cones or road flares, place them near your car to alert oncoming drivers about the situation.
3. Call the Police
Once you’re out of harm’s way, call 911 if someone hasn’t done so already. When the police arrive at the scene, they’ll create a police report detailing the incident.
A police report is essential because it establishes who was at fault for the accident. So when you file a claim with your insurer, they’ll see the information and adjust your policy accordingly.
4. Gather Information
If you’re too injured from a car accident and are still waiting on emergency services, take the time to collect additional information about the accident. Here are some things to focus on:
- Witnesses
- Pictures
- Other driver’s information
Witnesses are an integral part of car accident reports because drivers will blame each other for what happened. But a third party can tell police officers exactly what happened.
Ensure you get the other driver’s information for your claim. You’ll need to record their:
- Name and address
- Car make, model, and license plate
- Location of the accident
- Driver’s license information
Also, it would help if you took pictures of the accident. They can help strengthen your case if you decide to hire a car accident lawyer.
5. Contact Your Insurance Agency and Lawyer
Once the initial chaos has died down, contact your insurance agency and lawyer. Your insurance company will ask for details about the accident and send a claim adjuster to view your vehicle and guide you on how to proceed.
You should also contact a car accident attorney. They’ll increase your chances of having a successful case. Click for more information about legal services in your area.
Here’s What to Do After Getting in a Car Accident
Now you know what to do after getting in a car accident. You may be flustered when it happens, which is understandable. But, don’t panic. Follow our steps above to ensure you navigate the situation safely.
Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed our car accident guide. If so, check out our additional content for more car accident tips.
