If you’re ever unfortunate enough to be involved in a car accident, it’s important to know what to do. Even if the accident is minor, there are steps you need to take to ensure that the situation is handled properly. In this blog post, we will discuss the dos and don’ts of dealing with a car accident, so that you can know how to best protect yourself and your interests in the event of a crash.
Do call the police
Even if the accident is minor, it’s important to have an official record of what happened and to obtain a police report. In addition, the police can investigate any possible criminal activity such as DUI or hit-and-run, and provide assistance in exchanging insurance information.
When calling the police, give them as much information as possible about the accident. This includes the location, the direction each car was going, the make and model of each vehicle, and any other relevant details. It is also important to remain calm and polite while talking to the police, so they can get all the information they need.
The police will arrive on the scene and investigate the accident. They will speak to both drivers and any witnesses who were present, inspect the cars and take pictures of the damage. The police may ask questions to determine who was at fault and write up a report. This report can be used to resolve insurance claims and court proceedings.
Do exchange insurance information
When you’re in a car accident, one of the most important things to do is to exchange insurance information with the other driver. It’s important to gather the following information: name, address, phone number, insurance company and policy number. Make sure to record all this information on your own insurance card so you can refer to it if needed. Additionally, you should take pictures of the other person’s license plate and insurance card for added security.
It’s important to know that all states require you to carry some form of insurance on your vehicle. If the other driver doesn’t have insurance, it may be difficult for you to get any compensation from them. In cases like this, you may need to file a claim with your own insurance company.
Exchanging insurance information is one of the most important steps after a car accident, so make sure you do it correctly. Don’t forget to take pictures for added security and remember to call your insurance provider as soon as possible after the accident.
Do take pictures
If you are involved in a car accident, it is important to take pictures of the scene. This will provide evidence of the damage and of any injuries that may have occurred. You should take pictures of both cars, any damaged property, and the general area around the accident. You should also take pictures of any visible injuries or bruises on those involved in the accident. This will help document any claims that need to be filed with the insurance companies and provide proof in case of a lawsuit. Be sure to keep the photos safe so they can be used as evidence if needed.
Do get medical attention
Even if you don’t feel like you’ve been hurt, you should always go to the doctor or emergency room for an examination. Adrenaline can cause you to feel less pain than normal and so injuries may not be immediately evident. Additionally, whiplash and other soft tissue injuries may take days or even weeks to fully manifest.
It’s important to document your injuries and get a proper diagnosis from a medical professional. Doing this helps establish that your injuries were caused by the accident. This will be important if you decide to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
If you don’t seek medical attention right away, you run the risk of not having your injury properly documented and may have trouble receiving compensation later on.
Don’t leave the scene
Leaving the scene of a car accident is a serious crime, and can lead to fines, jail time, or even the suspension of your driver’s license. Even if you don’t think the crash was your fault or if you are scared or overwhelmed, it is important to stay on the scene until the police have arrived and taken control of the situation. If you do leave the scene before the police arrive, be sure to contact them immediately.
If you are found at fault for an accident, leaving the scene without talking to the police can make the situation worse. Not only will you be in more legal trouble than necessary, but you may also be found financially responsible for any damages caused by the accident.
Even if you feel like you have done nothing wrong and do not believe that you have been injured, it is still important to stay at the scene and wait for the police to arrive. This way, you will have an official record of what happened and be able to protect yourself against any claims made by other parties involved in the accident.
