When you’ve just been in a car accident there are certain steps you may want to take to ensure everyone’s safety.
Being in a vehicle accident can be a confusing and stressful experience. Your adrenaline’s pumping, you might be shaken up, and on top of it all, you need to figure out what to do next.
No amount of preparation, training, or reading can prepare you for what you will experience. It can be overwhelming and hard to remember each step you need to take.
What Steps to Take After a Car Accident
Feel free to download and print this article to put in your vehicle so you are prepared for the steps you need to take when you are in a car accident.
1. Check Yourself and Others for Injuries
Checking for car accident injuries is important. If you are injured call 911 or ask someone to do so. Back pain and whiplash are common injuries that take time to feel the significance of the injury.
Even seemingly minor bumps and bruises can turn serious later, so err on the side of caution and get medical attention if needed. Seeking auto accident treatment is crucial, especially if you experience any dizziness, headaches, or pain.
2. Find a Safe Area
Take a look around to see if you are located in a safe location. If you can move, walk to the side of the road or sidewalk. If possible, pull your car over to a safe area and turn on the hazard lights. Otherwise, leave your car where it is and get yourself to safety.
3. Exchange Information
Avoid the temptation to express frustration or apologies to the other driver, this is to protect yourself.
Be very careful to avoid discussing the fault of the accident as best as you can. Ask the other driver for their car insurance information and allow the police to assess the scene.
This step might seem tedious right now, but having this on hand will be a lifesaver later. Insurance companies love details, and so will you if things get a little messy down the line.
Aside from what’s already mentioned, here’s what you need to snag:
- Their name, phone number, and address: Think business card but for this not-so-business encounter.
- Their driver’s license info: License number and state, that kind of stuff.
- Their car’s details: License plate, year, make, and model – a full car ID.
- Witnesses saw what happened, and their accounts can be super helpful.
Tempers might be flaring at the accident scene, which is understandable. But if you can take a few deep breaths and focus on getting this information, you’ll thank yourself later. It’ll make the whole process smoother and less stressful in the long run.
4. Document Important Information
Once you have exchanged insurance information with the other driver, document the following things as well: photos of the damage to both vehicles, the other driver’s license plate, and the identity of the officers.
If a police officer comes to the scene and files a report, be sure to note down the name and badge number. The police report will be another critical piece of evidence for your insurance claim.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company
You may want to call your insurance agent while you’re at the scene. This way you can discuss the type of coverage you have and the coverage of the other driver.
Make sure to share all the information that happened at the crash and what you have done since the time has passed. They will take care of the rest!
6. Make an Appointment with a Doctor
No matter the situation of the accident, you should always see a doctor, or possibly a car accident chiropractor. Symptoms may not develop right away; you never know what underlying issues may develop. They will be able to assess the injuries caused by the accident.
7. Get Legal Help
The last thing to be aware of is getting legal help if needed. Accident specialists will help you determine whether or not you will need an attorney.
A car accident attorney can help evaluate any settlement offers and handle all the complicated aspects of filing a lawsuit.
Please include attribution to aicaorthopedics.com with this graphic.
