No one ever wants to be in a car accident. But if you are, it’s important to know what to do afterwards. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of what to do after a car accident, from exchanging information with the other driver to filing a police report.
1. Check for injuries
The first thing you should do after a car accident is check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately.
2. Move your vehicle out of the way, if possible.
Once you’ve ensured that everyone is okay, the next step is to move your vehicle out of the way, if possible. If your vehicle is blocking traffic or is in danger of being struck by oncoming traffic, carefully drive it to the side of the road. Put on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.
3. Exchange information with the other driver.
Once you’re in a safe location, exchange information with the other driver. You’ll need to exchange your name, address, phone number, insurance company and policy number. It’s also helpful to get the other driver’s license plate number and make and model their car.
4. Take photos of the scene
If you have a camera or phone with a camera function, take photos of the scene before anything is moved. Be sure to get photos of all vehicles involved, as well as any damage to property such as poles, fences or guardrails.
5. Call your insurance company.
The next step is to call your insurance company and let them know that you’ve been in an accident. They will likely ask you for all of the same information that you exchanged with the other driver, so it’s helpful to have it handy when you make the call.
6. File a police report, if necessary
Finally, if there was significant damage or injury involved in the accident, or if either party is not cooperating, you’ll need to file a police report. The police will create an official document which can be helpful in resolving any disputes that may arise later on. Once you’ve taken care of everything, all that’s left to do is wait for help. If you’ve called 911, they will dispatch an ambulance and/or police officers to the scene. If not , wait for a tow truck or ask a bystander for help.
Conclusion
Car accidents are never fun , but knowing what to do afterwards can help make the situation less stressful. By following this simple guide, you’ll know what steps to take so that you can handle everything properly.