When you are involved in an auto accident, emotions and adrenaline can leave you feeling confused and overwhelmed during the aftermath. While it can be difficult to think clearly, it’s critical to guard against costly mistakes. To do this, take note of the most important steps you need to take immediately following a car accident.
Be Prepared
Before you are even involved in an accident, be proactive by ensuring that you have all your important driving documentation on hand. For example, most states require you to have your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and car registration with you when you operate a motor vehicle. So, find a safe spot inside your car to store these things, or alternatively, keep them in your wallet. Either way, if you know where the necessary documents are, it will eliminate at least one source of stress after the crash.
Prioritize Safety
Nothing is more important than the safety of you and the other people involved in the incident. Check to make sure everyone is ok, and if there are any serious injuries, call 911 for medical assistance.
Next, check your car. If your car is still operational, pull it off the road. If your vehicle is too damaged to move, put on the hazards (if possible) and immediately remove yourself from the path of traffic.
Call the Police
Call the police to report the accident, even if there are no injuries, and even if you are worried about reckless driving or other issues. The police, who are trained to handle these kinds of situations, can:
- Help you feel calmer
- Evaluate the situation
- Keep things from escalating
- Make sure everyone is safe
- Block oncoming traffic
- Provide you with an official accident report
The police report can be especially useful when you file a claim. It can also protect you in the future if any legal or financial issues arise.
Contact Your Insurance Company
If you don’t call your insurance company while you are still at the accident scene, don’t worry. Most agents understand that it’s not always possible to call right away. However, contact them as soon as possible and try to provide an accurate and detailed account of the incident. You will also want to give them the police report, as well as the contact and insurance information from any other involved parties.
If you are not at fault and assume that the guilty party will pay, think again. You still need to call your agent as a preventative step. This protects you if the guilty party is uninsured or refuses to accept responsibility.
Call an Attorney
While the police and your insurance company can help you with the logistics, they are not specifically trained to provide legal help. In the event that someone is at fault, a car wreck attorney is the best professional to call. Having someone able to represent your interests and argue your case provides you with the peace of mind you need to recover from such a traumatic event.
An automobile accident takes only a second, but the memories and repercussions can stick with you for many years. Therefore, be on guard in the aftermath of the incident and take action to protect yourself from future issues and potential costs and liabilities.
