List Of 8 Things To Do After Car Accident
No one likes to think about having an accident with their vehicle, but if you drive, you are at risk for ending up in a crash, no matter how minor. Luckily, the majority of car accidents are fairly simple and end up only causing minimal damage to the vehicles, but it's a good idea to know exactly what you should do in the case of a car accident.
Here is list of 8 things to do after car accident:
1. Stop! If your car or somebody else's car is damaged or passengers are injured you need to stop. Never drive away from the scene of an accident, even a minor one.
2. Check to see if you and all your passengers are okay, and then see if the other driver is okay. If anyone is unconscious, do not attempt to move them, since you won’t know if you are making any injuries worse. If you have to move anyone, make sure to keep their head and neck supported as injuries to the neck area aren’t always immediately noticeable.
3. Protect the scene. You can prevent further accidents by setting up flares, or keeping your flashers on. If it is dark and your lights don't work, you should have a flashlight to keep you safe while you wait in your disabled car or by the side of the road.
4. Call the Police. Even if there are no serious injuries, it is a good idea to call the police. You may need a police report to file a claim with your insurance company, even if it is just to make a claim for damage to your vehicle. The vehicles involved in the accident should remain where they are, unless they interfere with traffic.
5. Don't admit anything. Immediately after an accident, it's a good idea to keep your mouth shut as to who was at fault. It's pretty easy to get angry, particularly if you weren't the one at fault, but that can lead to a much nastier situation. To prevent problems, it`s best to wait until the police arrive. Also, admitting that you were at fault can cause problems down the road, so keep your mouth shut until you can speak with the police or your insurance company.
6. Make an accurate record. When the police arrive, make sure you tell the investigating officer(s) exactly what happened, to the best of your ability. If you do not know certain facts, tell that to the officer. Do not speculate, guess or misstate any of the facts. If you are asked if you are injured and you are not sure, say you are not sure, rather than no. Often, the pain and injuries from motor vehicle accidents become apparent hours after the actual collision. You should also make sure statements made by other persons involved in the accident are accurate as well.
7. Write everything down. It`s a good idea to keep a pad of paper and a couple of pens in your glove box. This way you can write down all pertinent information that could be useful later on. This includes names of all parties involved, addresses, phone numbers and email, as well as the license plate number, car insurance information and vehicle identification number, since these can all be handy later on if the incident goes to court.
8. Take pictures of your car and the accident area. Make sure to note if there are any stop signs, speed limit signs, stoplights, or other traffic guides in the area. Take plenty of pictures of your car, and theirs too! If applicable, take pictures of any skid marks, dented guide rails, paint scrapes on barriers, etc.