6 Steps to Take Immediately Following a Car Accident

6 Steps to Take Immediately Following a Car Accident

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By  Ann Smarty

Do you know what to do following an accident?

Do you know what to do if you are involved in an auto accident? Your ability to make the right decisions following an auto accident can prevent further injuries and facilitate the process of repairing your vehicle and reporting the accident to your insurance company.

There are six steps you should take immediately following a car accident:

1. Get to safety – One of the first things you and your passengers should do is move to the side of the road and away from any other motor vehicle traffic. If possible, move your car to the side of the road, but if you can’t, at least get yourself to a safe place. If you can’t find a safe place to stand until help arrives, stay in the vehicle with your seatbelt attached.

2. Call for help – Once you have ensured both you and your passenger’s safety, call 911 and be prepared to tell the operator about the nature of your accident. If you can’t give the operator a clear indication of where you are, be prepared to provide them with some kind of information that will help locate you, such as landmarks and road signs.

3. Grab your emergency car kit – Every driver should have an emergency car kit that should be stocked with the essentials, including: flares, safety triangles, insurance information, emergency contact information, a list of towing companies or roadside assistance numbers, blankets or jackets, bottled water, and a small medical kit for bumps and bruises. One of the best things you can do to protect yourself during any type of car emergency situation is to assemble an emergency car kit.

4. Exchange information – If the accident is minor and involves another vehicle, exchange information, including car insurance information. Regardless whether or not the accident was your fault, it is essential to get the other driver’s car insurance information. In addition, ask for the other driver’s name, address and phone number. Don’t forget to write down the make, model and color of the car, as well as the license plate number and the contact information of any passengers in the other vehicle. In addition, never admit any guilt at the scene; this is a decision the insurance companies will have to make.

5. Document the accident – If the police do not arrive at the scene, be prepared to document the accident by taking down notes, including the date and time of the accident. If you have a camera on your cell phone, take several pictures of your car, the other motorist’s car and the scene of the accident.

6. Understand your car insurance policy and what it covers – One of the first things you will want to do after you arrive home from the accident is contact your car insurance company. It is also a good idea to talk to your car insurance representative about your rights and benefits under your car insurance policy. Remember, however, that the time to understand your auto insurance policy is not following an accident. Instead, make it a point to fully understand your policy, your rates, your deductibles and your benefits so that you can better prepared in the event of a car accident.

Author Information

This guide was provided by one of the premiere auto insurance companies. We hope you found it helpful, but that you’ll never need to put it into practice!

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

 

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