It’s no secret one of the everyday fears that a driver has is an accident. Even the minor incidents can get to you, never mind the sound of metal clanging on each other.
Almost 99.7% of all car accidents are minor scrapes, rear ends and even fender benders. Even then, this doesn’t mean it can’t rattle you.
When it happens, you want the right accident help. Knowing what to do after a car accident is crucial to making sure you protect life and property.
In this guide, we’ll teach you what to do when you get into a car accident. Learning the right car accident procedure can get you the best results every time.
1. Check Your Health Status
What to do in an accident? The first thing you need to take care of is yourself. Check yourself first.
Are you ok? Do you feel any concussion? Are you injured?
If there is something off about what you feel, call for emergency services like 911. Even if you’re not feeling anything, it’s best to visit a physician after.
During a car accident procedure, you need to think calm. Think clear and be methodical.
2. Pull Over and Check The Other Party
Once you confirm everyone’s safety, your next action on what to do when in a car accident is to move your vehicle out of the way. If it’s possible, move your car to the side of the road and pull over.
Don’t say sorry. Admission of guilt can be a basis of insurance fraud and a counter lawsuit. Instead, you should ask if they’re ok.
Once you establish contact, exchange contact details with the other party. Get pertinent details, including:
- Name
- Phone number
- Insurance company’s name
- Plate numbers
- Policy number
Don’t forget that whatever you say now may go against you in the future. What to do when you get into a car accident? Stay calm and keep yourself in check.
3. Start Documentation
After you get the other party’s details, the next move is to take pictures and notes. If you can, get a recording of the entire conversation between you and the other party.
Start looking around by taking photos of your vehicle. What to do after a car accident is to assess the damage to your car and to the other’s as well. There will be cases where, if undocumented, the other party may blame you for everything.
Take a photo of the damages, the plate numbers and the positions of the car. Take pictures of physical harm to both drivers and their passengers as well. Take notes of the car’s make and model.
Ask for statements from eyewitnesses as well. Take their contacts and ask if they can vouch for you when law enforcement arrives. If you don’t know what to do in an accident, start by getting as many testimonies as you can in favor of your case.
4. Call Your Insurance Company and Your Lawyer
Once you finish with documentation, the next step is to call your insurance company and your lawyer. Explain the entire situation and report the accident. Make sure to not exchange any money or favors without your insurance or your lawyer with you.
Take your car insurance’s advice when it comes to car accident procedure. Follow the protocol and make sure that you do what they ask. Make sure to also call the police if they ask you to.
They will also tell you how to file your insurance claims and what shops have the authorization to do repairs.
When it comes to your lawyer, talk to them and ask for advice as well. They will confirm with any of the state laws to make sure you have a solid case if you sue or otherwise.
For example, a Birmingham car accident lawyer will make sure to get the right information to better represent you. Much like any other accident attorney, finding the right representation is crucial. What to do when in a car accident is to make sure you have legal coverage.
5. Call The Police and the DMV
In case it’s not a simple fender bender, you would want to call the police even before you call the insurance. Some insurance companies will only handle up to a certain value. Anything more than that will be a cause for legal action.
Every insurance company has a different reporting policy per state. Even then, calling the police is the safest answer. What to do when you get into a car accident is to get a police report.
Find the best way to show the police a situation that is in your favor. Police reports can guard you against many bad things, which includes insurance fraud and false claims.
Even minor scratches can cost much money when it comes to repairs. The police can handle the reports, which is part of a car accident procedure.
You also want to call the DMV when the damage is too much. You need to understand as well that insurance coverages are different when different car sizes collide. Car damage estimates are far too different and you want to get proper coverage.
6. Confirm There Are No Lasting Damages
At the end of it all, what’s vital is to make sure everyone’s ok. Whether you decide to sue or not, what to do in an accident is to check yourself and your passengers.
Confirm there are no long-term damages. Not all problems are physical as well. See if there’s a need for therapy or trauma intervention for you or your passengers.
Fender benders tend to not have long-term effects. Even then, it’s best to be on the safe side.
Find Accident Help Now
Accident help is vital to making sure you get out of a fender bender. Check that you’re ok first, then move towards documenting the entire accident. Build a strong case in your favor and make sure to call the authorities.
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