On-road accidents are the most unwanted type of accidents, yet they occur quite frequently. When you are involved in a car accident, the last thing you are doing is thinking straight. Adrenaline rushes throughout your body as you try to figure out what exactly took place. The last thing you would like to do is to pull a Brett, and go crazy.
The Top Things to Do First if You Are In a Car Accident
Here is a look at some steps which you should take in case you are involved in an accident. But one thing you should always keep in mind is that you should keep calm. The last thing you want to do is turn the situation from bad to worse.
Bookmark the following steps.
- Safety first
The first thing you want to do after an accident is check yourself. Are you injured? Are the other driver and/or passengers okay? Is there any passer-by who has been injured?
Your first priority should be to ensure that everyone who is around the accident scene is safe. If by any chance the accident is minor, you can go ahead and move the cars to the side of the road.
On the other hand, if the accident is a major one, then you will definitely need a tow truck. If this is the case, then you should turn on your hazards lights, have a warning triangle, and you can also use flares. This can become really handy when it is dark. You do not want other drivers to crash into your pile-up.
You can go ahead and move to the side of the road, where it is safe.
- Notify the right people
If you have checked around, and notice that there are injuries, then you should call for an ambulance immediately. Even if the injury seems minor; you may never know, there might be internal trauma. There are some injuries which are possibly not evident at that particular time.
When you are calling for an ambulance ensure that you are calm. This will be important, because you have to relay essential information to the operators in a clear manner.
The authorities should also be called to the scene of the accident. This is especially if the accident involves a hit and run, or if anyone has been seriously injured.
The police will consider the accident as a crime scene. They will begin their investigation to determine who is at fault. Thus you will need to file a police report.
If you are seeking any type of compensation, especially when the accident is not your fault, then a police report is definitely important.
A police report filed properly, should include the following information:
- Location of the accident
- Date and time
- Statements from both drivers involved
- Statements from witnesses
- The amount of damage done to the cars
A police report is important because:
- It gives an unbiased third party statement
- It will be required by an insurance company
- It will help you provide the evidence needed in case your car is damaged, or you have injuries
- A police report will protect you from fraud
- The police being around will help you keep calm and collected
- Gather Information
Once the authorities have been notified, you should take it upon yourself to gather evidence. You can go on and take videos and photos of the entire scene.
In your videos and photos, make sure that you cover the whole area. You might use the information as evidence when you are filing for a claim.
Moreover, you will need to exchange information with the other driver. This will include:
- Full name
- Contact number
- Home address
- Drivers license number
- The insurance company
- Policy number
There are some insurance companies which have apps that let you record all the details of an accident. Some even allow you to draw how it looks. The power of technology is truly an amazing thing!
- Inform your Insurer
Your insurer should also be one of the first you notify about the accident. You might decide to do it immediately. Although, you may also do it the next working day.
It is paramount to notify your insurer about whether you want to collect your insurance claim or not. This will ensure that you will get to tell your side of the story in case the other driver files a claim.
If by any chance the other driver is at fault, then you will file a third-party claim. You have the decision to call of the other driver’s insurance company. However, it is best if your own insurance company makes the claim itself. It will be letting two giant corporations fight it out, instead of you doing alone.
Once you have alerted your insurance company, an adjuster will come to view the scene of the accident. These guys have both the power to approve your claim and deny it.
Thus, the information gathered by taking pictures and videos can really help. If all else fails and you are not getting the settlement you want then hiring a car accident lawyer can help you deal with it as they will fight for exactly what you are due.
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