When an accident occurs, it is critical that you do certain things and make the best out of the situation. Acting quickly after an accident can help out out your auto insurance claim, save lives or keep you in the nice sights of the law. Here are 8 critical things to do immediately after an auto accident.
Keep your Head
Not going bonkers is very important. There might be people who are wounded and who require your help.So you need to think straight. If your car involved in the mishap is still working, drive it off the road. Switch off your engine and turn on your hazard lights.
Check for Injuries
Check if you are injured. If you have passengers, check to see if they have sustained injuries. Make sure no other parties involved in the accident is wounded. If anyone is badly injured, call an ambulance straight away.
Call the Police
Even if nobody was badly injured, the police should still be called in, if only to take a statement. They will also want to know about the accident and what caused it. This is for legal purposes; or it will simply become your word against the other driver in the case of a dispute of fault. This could easily turn ugly, if not straightened out quickly.
Get Info from Other Drivers
This is why it's always vital to keep your insurance information in your car. It is important to exchange details with other parties involved in the traffic mishap. Basic contact information includes: full name, residential address, phone number, license plate number, driver's license number, and insurance company and policy number. Even if you are a victim, you should still exchange information with other victims.
Tell Your Insurance Company
After you have obtained everyone's insurance information, make sure you call your own insurance company and let them know what has happened. Relate the accident with as much detail as possible.
Do not worry about higher rates. State laws usually protect victims from higher insurance rates unless they are truly at fault. Even if it was not your fault, it should still be reported to your insurance company.
Take Pictures
Verify the accident scene with pictures if you have a camera. It always helps to keep a handy camera in the pigeon hole of your car. You never know when you might need it or help somebody out.
Medical Checkup
Some injuries may not be felt right away. Be sure to go to a doctor to get an assessment as soon as possible. Never take anything for granted. It could have grave consequences later.
Call a Lawyer
This may not be needed, but it's always best to have expert legal advice available. If someone is upset, uptight and aggressive after an accident, do your best to stay out of harm's way. Do not get into a shout match, which can clearly escalate into something more serious. Do not blame somebody, including yourself, when the police come to take a statement.
Get a professional view before signing any sort of documents or settlement papers, even if they are from your own insurance company. Never sign anything if you are not satisfied with the repair job. You should not leave any doubts in your mind about what sort of coverage you possess. If you have questions, keep calling your insurance agent until you have a clear answer explaining how you are protected.
Keep your Head
Not going bonkers is very important. There might be people who are wounded and who require your help.So you need to think straight. If your car involved in the mishap is still working, drive it off the road. Switch off your engine and turn on your hazard lights.
Check for Injuries
Check if you are injured. If you have passengers, check to see if they have sustained injuries. Make sure no other parties involved in the accident is wounded. If anyone is badly injured, call an ambulance straight away.
Call the Police
Even if nobody was badly injured, the police should still be called in, if only to take a statement. They will also want to know about the accident and what caused it. This is for legal purposes; or it will simply become your word against the other driver in the case of a dispute of fault. This could easily turn ugly, if not straightened out quickly.
Get Info from Other Drivers
This is why it's always vital to keep your insurance information in your car. It is important to exchange details with other parties involved in the traffic mishap. Basic contact information includes: full name, residential address, phone number, license plate number, driver's license number, and insurance company and policy number. Even if you are a victim, you should still exchange information with other victims.
Tell Your Insurance Company
After you have obtained everyone's insurance information, make sure you call your own insurance company and let them know what has happened. Relate the accident with as much detail as possible.
Do not worry about higher rates. State laws usually protect victims from higher insurance rates unless they are truly at fault. Even if it was not your fault, it should still be reported to your insurance company.
Take Pictures
Verify the accident scene with pictures if you have a camera. It always helps to keep a handy camera in the pigeon hole of your car. You never know when you might need it or help somebody out.
Medical Checkup
Some injuries may not be felt right away. Be sure to go to a doctor to get an assessment as soon as possible. Never take anything for granted. It could have grave consequences later.
Call a Lawyer
This may not be needed, but it's always best to have expert legal advice available. If someone is upset, uptight and aggressive after an accident, do your best to stay out of harm's way. Do not get into a shout match, which can clearly escalate into something more serious. Do not blame somebody, including yourself, when the police come to take a statement.
Get a professional view before signing any sort of documents or settlement papers, even if they are from your own insurance company. Never sign anything if you are not satisfied with the repair job. You should not leave any doubts in your mind about what sort of coverage you possess. If you have questions, keep calling your insurance agent until you have a clear answer explaining how you are protected.
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