The average driver gets in one car accident every 18 years. It’s not a question of “if”, rather “when.”
As a responsible driver, you need to know what to do after a car accident. Otherwise, you could sustain a severe injury or lose a lot of money.
We compiled this guide with five important things you should do immediately. Keep reading below to learn more.
- After a Car Accident, Make Sure Everyone Is Ok
Check yourself and passengers for injuries first.
Call 911 immediately if it’s evident that someone sustained a serious injury. Avoid moving anyone until paramedics can take a look.
You may need a car accident doctor down the road to help with neck or back pain. Don’t wait to get evaluated by a professional.
- Be Safe by Calling the Police After a Crash
As we explained above, call 911 if someone is injured. You’ll also want to call the police to redirect traffic and help move your vehicle to safety.
Officers can take statements from both parties and write an accident report on the scene. You’ll need this later to file a claim or if you end up in a lawsuit.
In some states, you’re required to call the police for accidents and you could get in trouble for not doing it.
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- Document the Car Accident Scene and Exchange Insurance
Police officers are trained to collect evidence, but you can also do it yourself. The more, the better. Take plenty of notes.
Some things you can do is take pictures of both vehicles and the damage with your smartphone. Take pictures of other relevant items like skid marks or obstructions that may help your case.
This is also the point when you should exchange information with the other driver: policy numbers, telephone numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plates, and more.
- File a Claim With Your Car Insurance ASAP
Don’t wait to file a claim with your insurance company. Some people will even call from the accident scene.
There are two reasons for this. One, you don’t know how long it could take and you want to get the ball rolling. Second, some insurance companies allow you to access some coverage immediately.
Most insurance companies want to hear about all accidents, whether major or minor. Failing to report something could result in losing your coverage.
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- When to Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident?
Every car accident isn’t major, so how do you know when to hire an attorney? The decision is ultimately up to you.
But, seek an attorney if your medical bills are growing out of control and the insurance isn’t covering it.
You should also get a lawyer if your case involves more than one area of law. Both medical bills and property damage, for example.
Car Accidents Are Common, Be Prepared
Use this guide to know what to do after a car accident. You can even bookmark this page if it’ll help you remember.
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