No matter how much you prepare, you’ll never know what it feels like to be part of a car accident until you’re actually in this position. While you do your best to avoid it at all costs, trouble could be lurking around the corner.
Here are four simple things you should do after a car accident:
Focus on your safety: This includes moving your vehicle out of traffic if the accident was minor, turning on your hazard lights, turning off the cars and checking yourself and your passengers for injuries.
Get help: The best way of doing so is to call 911. From there, you can wait in your vehicle until the police and an ambulance arrive at the scene of the accident.
Gather information: If possible, gather information from others involved in the accident. You can start by asking the other driver for their insurance policy information. Also, take photos of the scene from multiple angles as long as it is safe to do so, as these can work in your favor in the future.
Contact your insurance company: Depending on your injuries, you may not be able to do this right away. However, when time allows, contact your agent for their guidance.
It’s important to note that your health is the top priority, so you may not be able to take all of these steps. For instance, if you’re suffering from serious injuries, you won’t have the time or ability to ask the other driver for their information.
Once you receive treatment, you can review the police report, consult with your insurance company and decide on the steps you can take to hold the negligent party responsible for causing the car crash.