5 Smart Things to Do after a Car Accident

Fatal or not, car accidents happen every day, and you are not exempt. In the event of an accident or crash, we tend to get panicked and forget to make the right decisions. This article will guide you in the right direction in case you get involved in a car accident.

Here are the first 5 steps to take after a car accident:

1 – Stop

This may sound weird, but under the effect of shock some people flee or continue their way. This is not a smart thing to do. This is automatically considered a fugitive offense that can lead to serious legal consequences. So stop and pack your vehicle to help the victim as much as you can. In fact, by trying to flee the scene you can get involved in a more serious, possibly a fatal car accident, causing other people to lose their life.

2- Call 911

After you pull your vehicle out of the line of traffic, remember to turn on your hazard lights, and then call 911. This is important even if no one seriously hurts. In fact, this is a recommendation from the federal government’s website, 911.gov. Keep your insurance documents handy. Your insurance company and the other driver’s insurer will need each party’s contact information to determine which driver is responsible to pay for the damages.

3 – Safety First

Once you stop your vehicle after the car accident, you need to relax, even if it may be difficult at first. Assess the scene by asking yourself the following questions: Are there any injuries? Are people in danger? Should I call the ambulances? Are other road users safe? These are questions that must be asked in the first few seconds or minutes of the incident.

Avoid putting yourself and others in danger. This is why it is essential to warn other road users. To do this, turn on the emergency lights and put the warning panels right away if you can, put on your safety vest and arrange your pre-signaling triangle at 30 m from the incident if necessary.

4 – Gather as much information as possible

Even if you are going to pass for a curious person, do not hesitate to ask the persons involved for their names, contact details and insurance provider. Record the car’s license plate, model, color and other pertinent information. If it is a company vehicle, ask for the name of the company; if it is a rent, require the name of the rental company.

And of course, if you have the possibility, do not hesitate to take pictures. If there are witnesses, do not hesitate to solicit them; they could prove to be of great help. In addition to this, gather all available information regarding the conditions of the incident.

5 – Establish a Report

Regardless of the extent of the car accident, it is very important to establish a report. The latter is not mandatory, but it facilitates the work of your insurer. Moreover, a well-done report accelerates the compensation. In any case, take the time to complete a well written report if you can. Even if you are not an artist, try to describe the circumstances of the car accident at best you can, using a sketch.

In the best case, the two parties involved are in agreement on the facts. On the other hand, if there are disagreements, it is important to note them in the “Observations” section. It is important to send this information to your insurance company within 5 days of the incident.

Whether minor or serious, anyone can get involved in a car accident. So note the points listed above; they might be useful to you.