Last Updated on March 16, 2024 by Umer Malik
Did you know that according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, every year, more than 6 million car accidents happen in the US?
Accidents not only cause great physical and emotional pain but also require a lot of money to cover many different types of bills and payments. In case you have been involved in a car accident or are just reading this to brush up on your knowledge, we have seven tips for you.
Table of Contents
1. Get yourself out of danger
If you haven’t been severely injured and the accident was minor, then carefully drive to the side of the road so that it doesn’t block any traffic. Switch the hazard light on and place reflective signs to alert other drivers to slow down.
In case the crash is severe or anyone who was with you is hurt, do not leave the scene of the accident. Let the car be where it is.
Many times, people don’t realize that they’ve had a severe accident, especially if there’s some kind of internal bleeding. So be extra cautious even if you feel it was a minor incident.
2. Contact the police
No matter where the accident took place, it’s important to alert the police. In some places, the police might not respond to a minor accident but nevertheless, you should inform them.
Some police forces have even set up online reporting services so that you don’t have to walk all the way to a police station. If and when the police arrive, take down the officer’s details, such as name, contact number, and badge number. Ask them to give you a copy of the accident report.
3. Collect information
If your hands are steady and your phone is functioning, write down a note or click pictures of any evidence that you think might be useful. Click pictures of documents, car numbers, and details of anyone else who was involved in the accident.
If the registration details do not match up to the insurance papers, ask the driver of the car to verify. The vehicle identification number is also necessary here. See if any witnesses are willing to provide you with any details or not.
4. Avoid confrontation
If your car got slammed by another car and the driver is yelling or agitated, it’s best not to get involved in any discussion. Emotions can run high right after an accident and you never know what the other person might be capable of doing.
This is especially true in case the driver is impaired or aggressive. Simply trust your instincts and call the local police or authorities to handle the scene properly. The more you involve yourself, the worse things will be.
5. Document the scene
Another good use of your cellphone here is to document the scene as much as possible. Take pictures of how the car looks, whether any damage is visible on the body or not, and other important details. These will be important when you have a discussion with any motor vehicle accident claim lawyer.
Keep in mind to click a picture of the position of the car with respect to the street. It can tell you a lot about how and why the accident occurred in the first place. Make sure to record the date and time of the accident.
6. Call your insurance company
Many vehicle owners or drivers try to negotiate a cash deal to avoid further problems but this is a big mistake. Not notifying your insurance company can cause a lot of issues later. You’ll not only be liable for all the damage but you’ll also have to pay a huge amount of money for repairs.
Instead, a car insurance company can handle some of the proceedings and tell you what to do next. Accident claim lawyers can also be of great help here.
7. Go to a doctor
Your health is the most important factor here. After the preliminary formalities are over, go to the nearest hospital and get yourself checked.
If anyone else has been hurt along with you, get them checked too. You may never know what exactly has happened if you don’t go through routine scans and tests.
Over to you…
Staying calm after a car accident is extremely tough. But you can always try to take calculated decisions to avoid any mishaps later. For a safer driving experience, follow all traffic rules and stay alert on the road.
