Being involved in a car accident can be a nerve-wracking experience. Mentally preparing to navigate such an event can help you manage the accident when it does happen. Here’s a guide to help you with what to do after a car accident.
Prioritize everyone’s health and safety
Before anything else, you must check that everyone is okay. Call an ambulance if anyone is injured. Do not try to move anyone injured. If your vehicle may cause a road hazard, try to move it to a safe, well-lit place. At night, you may want to place warning lights and traffic cones a few meters behind and in front of the vehicles to warn oncoming cars. If you do not have these, turn on your car’s blinking lights.
If you can’t move your car, get everyone not injured to a safe distance from the collision. Once everyone is safe, call the police or 911 and wait for them to arrive. It is vital that you do not leave the scene.
Exchange information with the other driver
Only exchange essential information. These are:
- Name and contact number
- Insurance company and policy number
- Driver’s license number and car’s plate number
- Type, color and model of vehicle
- Location of the accident
When you talk to the other driver, keep calm and do not discuss who is at fault. Leave that to the insurance companies to determine. If the other party is being a hothead and making unreasonable demands, avoid engaging and wait for the authorities to arrive.
Document and report
Take pictures of the accident from multiple angles. If there are any injuries, take photos of those too. Take pictures of any other details in the scene that might be pertinent to the accident.
Once authorities arrive, file a police report and an insurance claim. Getting into a car accident can be stressful, but keeping a cool head and following these steps will help you stay safe and comply with the law.
If you have trouble recovering compensation, consider seeking legal counsel.