Steps to Take if You Are Involved in a Car Accident’

Getting involved in a car accident can be very stressful and overwhelming at the same time. It doesn’t matter if it is a minor fender bender or a serious collision.

When this happens you need to know the proper steps that you should take immediately after the accident so that you can protect your legal rights and your safety as well. The most important thing is that you follow the right procedures as this can make everything go a lot more smoothly.

Ensure Safety First

The first priority you should have after an accident is your safety. Make sure that you check yourself to see if you have suffered any injury. 

If you find that someone is seriously injured you should call 911 as soon as possible. If the accident is a minor one then there should not be any severe injuries for you. 

Move your vehicle to the side of the road and away from traffic to stop further accidents from happening. Turn on your hazard lights as this will warn other drivers about what is happening.

Contact Emergency Services

Regardless of the severity of the accidents you must make sure you report it to the police. A police report is going to give you an official record of the accident. This can be critical when you want to make an insurance claim or for other legal purposes. 

When the officer arrives make sure you give accurate details of what has happened. However, you should never admit fault or make statements that are speculative.

Document the Scene

Try to gather evidence if you can. Make sure you take photographs of the damage to all the vehicles involved. Look out for visible injuries and take pictures of those as well. 

Right down the time and location of the accident and contact number information from all passengers, drivers and weaknesses that are involved. You should also take their phone numbers, license plate numbers and insurance details as well.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you’re feeling okay immediately after an accident it’s always good to get a medical evaluation. Remember there are some injuries such as whiplash and concussions that may not show any symptoms at the very beginning. 

However, they can worsen with time. A healthcare professional can assess your current condition and document injuries you may have. In cases involving back or neck pain, a personal injury chiropractor can help manage pain and promote recovery. 

The bottom line is that prompt medical care is always going to provide important documentation if you need to file a personal injury claim.

Notify Your Insurance Company

You should report an accident to your insurance company as quickly as you can. Try to provide details about the accident, other driver information and any supporting documents you may have. 

Many insurance companies now have mobile apps so that you can submit your claims very quickly. Always be honest and stick to the facts.

There’s a lot to think about when you have been in a car accident but it’s something you cannot ignore.

Josie Smith