If you get into a car accident, you need to know how to handle the situation. According to Bankrate, between five and six million motor vehicle crashes happen each year. This means it pays to have a plan of action for the worst-case scenario.
To protect you, your family and your vehicle from unnecessary health and financial difficulties, continue reading this article to learn more about the steps to take after a car accident.
1. CHECK FOR INJURIES
First, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Do not move from your vehicle if you have suffered a severe injury. Call 911 for any injuries even if you do not think they are too serious. Sometimes more severe problems manifest themselves in the future, and it’s a good idea to get checked out sooner rather than later.
2. SECURE YOUR SAFETY
If your car is in a dangerous part of the road, move it to the side if it still drivable. However, if you do not need to move the vehicle, leave it where it is.
3. REPORT THE ACCIDENT
Next, if you have not already called 911 for emergency medical services, you still need to report the accident to the police.
4. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING
Once you secure your safety and call the police, document the accident as thoroughly as possible under the circumstances. Exchange relevant information with the other driver, take pictures of the accident and record any injuries you received. Once the police arrive, take down their names and badge numbers. Finally, if there are any witnesses, get their contact information.
5. INFORM YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY
Call your insurance company to report the accident, but do not give them too many details. Let an attorney do the talking for you later.
Car crashes can potentially cause several legal, financial and health problems. After your safety, the most important thing is to create thorough documentation of the event.
