No one plans to be in a car accident. It happens when you’re not expecting it, and it can leave you feeling overwhelmed and frantic. Knowing exactly what to do after a car accident can help you stay calm while ensuring everything is handled properly.
In the guide below, you’ll find all the necessary steps to take following a car accident. Here’s what you need to know!
Check for Injuries
After you realize you’ve been in an accident, check your entire body for signs of injuries. If there are passengers in the car, then check one another for injuries as the adrenaline might prevent you from feeling your own. A car accident injury can range from anything minor to serious, but you’ll want to get checked by a doctor as soon as possible.
Once you’ve checked yourself and your passengers for injuries, you can then move on to the next step.
Find Safety
Finding safety is essential. If you can move your body and drive the car, then relocate it to a safe place nearby. This might be the shoulder of the highway or a side road away from the busy main street. The last thing you want to happen is for more cars to become a part of the accident because your car is left on the main road.
Now that you’ve found safety, you can then continue to the next step.
Call Emergency Services
If emergency service hasn’t already arrived by now, you should take this time to call them. A quick call to 911 letting them know you’ve been in an accident will prompt officers and paramedics to the scene. Officers are beneficial because they can write out traffic tickets when needed and write out reports as well.
A report written by an officer can come in handy when proving who’s at fault.
File a Claim
After an accident, you’ll need to file a claim with your insurance company. Make sure to give them all the details about the accident and the other driver’s contact information also. Taking a picture of their insurance card (front and back) will provide your insurance company with all the information they need.
You should also take pictures of the entire accident scene, including pictures of both your car and the other car. These pictures will also help the insurance company determine who’s at fault.
Contact a Lawyer
Unfortunately, not all accident claims work out as you’d like them to. If you’re having trouble getting the compensation you need, then you might need to contact a car accident lawyer. Lawyers with experience dealing with car accidents know how to win your case.
If the insurance company or other driver refuses to give you the compensation you need, you’ll appreciate having a car accident attorney by your side.
Don’t Let a Car Accident Ruin Your Day
Getting into a car accident can place a damper on your day, but when you know all the right steps to take after the accident, you can ease your anxiety and resolve the situation quickly. Follow the information in the guide above to do just that!
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