After experiencing a car accident, there are certain essential things you should do to protect yourself and your vehicle. The number one rule is to stay at the scene. Even if you do not feel injured, inform the police. Many things will be going through your mind, so be prepared for an event like a vehicle crash ahead of time. Here are some essential tips to ensure you protect yourself.
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Check For Injuries and Contact Authorities
The first and most crucial step after an accident is to ensure that there are no injuries and that everyone is out of harm’s way. Whether both parties are injured or unscathed, it is essential to call emergency services. Local authorities will document the events and can assist anyone who may need medical attention. If your vehicle is blocking the road and impeding traffic, move it out of the way if it is still drivable.
Seek Attorney Advice
After an accident, contacting an attorney may be necessary to protect yourself. A lawyer can assess the accident professionally and gather vital information on best practices on how to proceed. If you are in an accident and it is determined you have alcohol in your system, contacting a DUI lawyer will help you through the unavoidable repercussions. You may be facing negligence claims that need quick attention. Your attorney will be an ally in your case and can give you valuable advice and support.
Obtain Contact Information
It is wise to obtain contact information from the other driver and their listed insurance company. If the other driver does not have proof of their current insurance, you may want to contact their carrier to confirm the coverage. If you cannot get this information, you should note down the license plate numbers, makes models, and years of any vehicles involved in the accident. You can take photos of the accident with your smartphone to gather as much information as possible. Include pictures of the road and surrounding property.
Report to Your Insurance Company
No matter the severity of your accident, it is imperative to call your insurance company to report the crash. It will ensure that you and the other parties receive the proper compensation. Insurance will help to cover the costs of vehicle damage and medical expenses. If you fail to report the accident, it can result in your carrier denying your claim. Reporting your accident immediately to the insurance company will ensure you can describe the incident correctly and resolve any issues allowing you to get back on the road quickly.
Keep Record of Repairs
When your car has suffered damage in an accident, it is necessary to stay involved in the repair process. Your insurance company will likely want inexpensive options regarding where and how to fix your vehicle. If you do not have multiple options for repairs, make sure that the replacement parts for your car are from the manufacturer. If the other driver in the accident contacts you to conduct repairs, refer them to the insurance company. Your carrier will handle any further discussion and keep you from getting caught up in matters that do not need your attention.
Seek Medical Care
An injury after a collision may not always be immediately apparent. It can be a day or two before you start to feel the effects of the accident. If unsure about a possible injury, see a physician at your local emergency room or your family doctor. If you lost consciousness after the mishap, you could have a head injury not immediately recognizable. You can sustain permanent spinal cord damage even in a minor accident. It’s best to get yourself checked out.
Stay Organized
Keep a file of all documents that relate to your accident. Police reports, the insurance claim number and carrier, contacts, and receipts should all be in one place so you can easily refer to them in the future. You may have to rent a car while waiting for your vehicle repair and will need compensation from the insurance company at a later date. Keep all the contact names and phone numbers in one place, including any eyewitness statements or other vital information that will come in handy if you need to appear in court.
Whether you are in a significant accident or a minor fender bender, knowing what to do in advance will help you avoid expensive mistakes. It is easier to stay calm after a collision when you know what steps to follow. Using these helpful tools will help you navigate through the process.