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7 Steps to Take After a Car Accident

June 13, 2023
5 Min Read

Sadly, 1.35 million people in the world are killed on roadways each year. This means that surviving a collision can have you feeling thankful, especially if you’ve escaped a large car crash.

However, auto accidents often involve medical bills, pricey repairs, trauma, and tricky claims. These things can have a tremendous impact on your life.

No one deserves to go through such stress and anxiety. And while you can’t prevent such challenges, knowing what to do after a crash can make things a little easier.

Keep reading for the seven steps you need to take after a car accident.

1. Check if Everyone’s OK

The first thing you need to do is check if you’re injured. If you’re not badly hurt, then check your passengers, then all the other parties involved in the collision. Call 911 right away if anyone requires medical attention after you check for injuries.

Be sure not to move anyone who’s badly injured, especially if you suspect they have damage to their spinal cord. The only exception is if they’re in immediate danger, such as from fire.

Otherwise, it’s best to let the paramedics assess the situation and treat these people accordingly once they arrive. In addition, you shouldn’t try to provide any medical treatment unless you’re trained for it.

2. Move the Vehicles if Possible

For a small fender bender, it’s perfectly ok to move your vehicles to the side of the road. That way, normal traffic can proceed, and you’ll be out of harm’s way. However, if the cars aren’t in drivable condition, leave them there.

Whatever you choose, put on hazard lights and set out reflective emergency triangles and flares. This will make the scene more visible to the cars down the road, and can prevent more crashes.

If there’s serious property damage, then you’ll need to call 911 in some states.

3. Exchange Information

You’ll want to exchange information with the other drivers. Most importantly, you should get their full names and contact information (phone numbers or email addresses). Plus, get their driver’s license number, license plate number, insurance company, and policy number.

Try to flag down any people who saw the car accident happen. Ask if they’re willing to be a witness and if they can provide testimonies later on. If they say yes, then get their full names and contact information too.

Make sure that while you’re talking with the other parties, you say as little as possible. The smallest statements can be construed as you admitting fault, and even if you did cause the accident, you don’t want this evidence against you. This means you should also refrain from posting on social media, even if nothing’s public; you can’t be too careful.

4. Gather Evidence

You should gather as much evidence as you can, as it won’t hurt to have things to back up your claims. Take plenty of pictures of the scene, including the:

  • Cars
  • Road
  • Traffic signs

You should also take pictures of injuries, both on yourself and your passengers.

Videos can be helpful as well. For example, they can show things like foggy weather, heavy rain, or intense sunlight that might’ve blinded a driver.

If you’ve called 911 and law enforcement officers are on the scene, get their names and badge numbers. You should get a copy of the police report too.

5. Notify Your Auto Insurance Company

Regardless of whose fault the collision is, you’ll need to inform your auto insurance company that you’ve had an accident. Most insurers have mobile apps, so it’s very easy to report an accident. If yours doesn’t, then give them a call.

You won’t necessarily be filing a claim; instead, you’ll be detailing the car accident to an agent. At this point, they may send out a tow truck so your vehicle’s brought to a certified auto shop.

After hearing all the information about your crash, the agent will then inform the company on your behalf.

6. Go See Your Doctor

It’s imperative that you see your doctor, even if you feel fine. The shock and adrenaline will eventually wear off, and by that time, it might be too late to do anything about your pain and injuries, or they’ll be tougher to deal with.

This appointment will also prove that you sought medical attention promptly, which can make a difference in insurance claims and lawsuits. If you wait too long, then the other parties will say you’re exaggerating your pain or even lying about injuries.

7. Hire an Attorney

Often, you’ll need legal help for a car accident. It’s common for insurance companies to lowball you, and you want to ensure you get the maximum compensation possible.

It can already be challenging to recover both physically and mentally after a scary crash. The last thing you want to do is study up on confusing law terms, only to be trampled over by the other parties still.

If you hire a lawyer, they can take care of the legal part for you, which can be a huge burden off your shoulders. View here for more if you’re still unsure about hiring a lawyer.

Recover Swiftly After a Car Accident

Being proactive after a car accident can make a drastic difference in your claim’s outcome. This is especially true if your vehicle’s wrecked and/or you have debilitating injuries.

While it’s easier said than done, it’s best if you keep calm and run through these steps in a crash. And don’t be afraid to employ an attorney’s help either!

Want to learn more about legal issues? Then keep reading our blog page.

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