If you’ve ever experienced being involved in a car crash, you know how scary and frustrating it can be. Aside from the immediate sense of panic, there’s a lot involved in dealing with automobile crashes once things calm down.
From the initial shock to making sure you and your passengers are OK, there are several steps to keep in mind after a car crash.
If you’ve been in a recent car crash, read on for some crucial information that will help you handle the situation like a pro.
What to do at the Scene
Immediately following a car accident, you should try to move to a safe area on the side of the road to avoid further incidents. Once you’re able to do this, be sure to check on your passengers if you have any to make sure everyone is alright.
If it appears that anyone is injured, call 911 immediately and let them know you’ve been involved in an accident and need medical attention. Typically, dispatchers should also send police to assess the situation.
If you think you’ve been hurt, try to stay put until help arrives.
Taking Down Important Information
It’s usually the job of the police to document an accident report, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do your own homework in order to protect yourself. Write down some important information as soon as you can including:
- The date, time, and location of the accident as well as what you remember happened.
- The other driver’s name, address, phone number, and insurance company name. If they have a policy number handy, be sure to document that, too.
- If there were witnesses, have them write down an account of what they saw.
- Take pictures of the location, your car, and the other cars involved, making sure to get clear photos of any damage.
Filing a Claim After a Recent Car Crash
Once the dust has settled, you’ll need to file an insurance claim as soon as possible. If the accident is a result of the other driver’s negligence, make sure you report it to their insurance company.
When you file your claim, include the police report number and all other pertinent information so your insurance company has what they need to get the ball rolling.
Depending on the level of damage, you’ll likely get the use of a rental car until your vehicle can be repaired.
A claims adjuster should contact you to take a closer look at your vehicle. Their job is to assess just how bad it is and whether or not the car is totaled. If it needs repair, the insurance company will refer you to a mechanic or body shop.
You may want to pursue things a bit further if you experienced serious injuries. If so, you’ll need to speak to a car accident lawyer for further instructions on how to proceed.
Cover All the Bases
After a recent car crash, it’s essential that you have all your bases covered. From recording the other driver’s information to getting good photos and filing an insurance claim, understanding the steps is essential to handling everything with ease.
For more information about auto insurance, car maintenance, and more, be sure to visit our blog.