Being involved in a car accident is definitely a scary proposition. Even if there are no major injuries, you are still likely to feel overwhelmed by the experience.
That is why you must know what to do after a car accident to ensure you handle the situation correctly. Here are a few crucial steps to take.
Move your vehicle to the side of the road
Your vehicle will be vulnerable to additional collisions if it is in the middle of the road. If it is still functional, do your best to drive it to a safe location. On the highway, get as far over on the shoulder as you possibly can. If you are on a street, try to navigate the vehicle to a parking space. You can also pull into a parking lot if possible.
Check yourself and passengers for injuries
Once your vehicle is in a safe place, check yourself and others for injuries. If there are injuries, contact emergency personnel right away. If not, you should still reach out for help from local law enforcement. They can control traffic around the accident while also creating a police report.
Talk to other drivers
You will need to exchange insurance info with any other drivers involved in the accident. Remain calm and civil when doing so, and refrain from blaming the other person, even if you believe they were at fault. Do not admit blame or apologize for any aspect of the accident, even generally. If you do not feel safe approaching the other driver, wait for the police to arrive.
Document the scene of the accident
After exchanging information with the other driver, take a moment to document the scene. If there are witnesses available, ask them what they saw. Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle, as well as any other damaged vehicles. Try to capture the scene from multiple angles. You should also make note of the time and location where the crash took place.
Once you have collected relevant information, contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide all the information you have, including any photos you have taken. It is also a good idea to review your policy to determine any coverage limitations.
