Accidents can happen even when you are taking all the necessary precautions. If you find yourself in an accident that was not your fault, there are specific steps you need to take, which are discussed below.
Check for injuries and call 911 if necessary
The first thing you should do after an accident is to check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Suppose you see that anyone is injured, including the other party. In that case, it is recommended call 911 immediately and wait for medical help to arrive.
Accidents can be traumatic, and it is not always easy to remain calm, but it is important to try. If you are able, take a deep breath and assess the situation.
Move your vehicle to a safe location, if possible
If your vehicle is not too severely damaged and you can drive, move it to a safe location, out of the way of traffic. If you cannot move your vehicle, turn on your hazard lights and wait for help. It is important to stay at the scene of the accident until the police arrive, even if you are not at fault. Leaving the scene can result in serious penalties.
Call the police to file a report
Even if the accident is minor, it is always a good idea to call the police so that they can document what happened and file a police report. The police report can be beneficial in settling any claims that may arise from the accident. If there are any witnesses to the accident, be sure to get their names, addresses, and phone numbers so that you can provide the information to the police.
Get the other driver’s contact and insurance information
When the police arrive, they will likely get the other driver’s contact and insurance information for you. However, it is always a good idea to get this information yourself as well, if possible. This will make it easier to follow up with the insurance companies if there are any problems.
Take pictures of the accident scene and damage to your vehicle
Take photos of the accident scene with a camera or cell phone if you have one, including any damage done to your vehicle and the other driver’s car. Make sure to get clear shots of each car’s license plate too. These pictures can be very helpful in documenting what happened and can be used as evidence if necessary.
Here are some things to remember when taking pictures:
- Be sure to get pictures of all sides of both vehicles.
- Take close-up shots as well as wide shots of the accident scene.
- If you see any skid marks on the road, take pictures of them.
- If there is any damage to property, such as a fence or mailbox, be sure to get pictures of that as well.
Make sure you get a copy of the police report
When the police finish their investigation, get a copy of the police report. This report can be beneficial in dealing with your insurance company and the other driver’s insurance company.
The report will contain important information, such as the names and contact information of all parties involved, a description of what happened, and the names of any witnesses.
Follow up with your own insurance company
Once you have the police report and the other driver’s insurance information, you should follow up with your insurance company to claim accident insurance. Your insurance company will likely start an investigation and will let you know what steps to take next.
For example, the insurance company will likely have you get an estimate for the damage to your vehicle. The insurance company will also let you know if they can reimburse you for a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired.
The insurance company may also ask you to provide a statement about what happened in the accident. It is important to be honest in your statement, but you should not provide more information than is necessary.
Hire an attorney if necessary
If you have difficulty dealing with your insurance company or the other driver’s insurance company, you may need to hire an attorney to help you. An attorney can help you navigate the legal process and will fight for your rights.
For instance, if you are involved in an accident with a heavy vehicle such as a truck, you can hire a truck accident lawyer to help you. The lawyer will help you deal with the insurance companies and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. They will also help you if you need to file a lawsuit.
Although being in an accident is never a good thing, it is an unfortunate reality. If you find yourself in this situation, it is important to follow the steps above to ensure you are protected.