Steps to Take After a Car Accident

Getting into a car accident can be extremely nerve-wracking and scary when it happens. However, there are a few things that you will want to make sure you do right after the accident occurs so you can be sure that you collect the proper information that you need while also making sure to take care of yourself or anyone else that could’ve been injured in the accident.

Of course, we never want to imagine or think about being in a car accident. However, in the event that you are involved in a car accident, be sure to follow the simple steps listed below.

1. Check For Injuries. Once you’ve taken a few deep breaths, it is important to check yourself and all of your passengers for injuries. If anyone has been injured, it is important to call for help immediately. If you’ve been seriously injured and you are in a safe area, avoid further injury by keeping still.  
2. Get To A Safe Spot. It is extremely important that you never leave the scene of an accident. However, you want to make sure you are in a safe spot while you wait for emergency paramedics or the police to get there. Try to pull over to the side of the road where you don’t have to worry about other vehicles.
3. Call The Police If You Haven’t Already. Now, it is crucial that you call the police so they can come and evaluate the situation. No matter if it is just a small accident or a much larger one, you always want to inform the police of what has happened. They will be able to fill out an accident report that you will be able to later send to your insurance company.
4. Exchange Information with the Other Parties Involved. You’ll want to be sure to exchange all of the appropriate contact information and insurance information with the other driver. Make sure to get information such as the driver’s name, the driver’s phone number, their insurance information, the make and model of their car, their driver’s license number, their license plate number, etc. It can also be helpful to take your own photos of the damage to send to your insurance company.

You may also want to get the contact information of any witnesses who may have seen the accident happen. They can later come to your defense in court or they can help give another perspective to the police of what happened.

1. Don’t Admit Fault. Even if you believe that the accident may have been your fault, do not admit this to the other party. This may have major repercussions later on. Apologizing for the accident could also be seen as an admission of guilt. Of course, you always want to be polite and tell the truth when an accident occurs, however, you want to be sure to never admit fault.
2. Get a Copy of the Accident Report. It is extremely important to make sure you get a copy of the accident report that was filled out by the officer on the scene. Your insurance company could ask for a copy later on.
3. Figure Out How to Properly Get Your Vehicle Home. If it was a minor accident, you may be able to drive your car home. However, in the instance of much larger accidents, it is important to call a towing company to help move your car.
4. Call Your Insurance Company. Once everything is taken care of at the scene of the accident, be sure to call your insurance company. It is important to make them aware of the issue as soon as possible.
5. Talk to a Reliable Car Accident Lawyer. If you are worried that your car accident could result in you having to go to court, it is important to consult a dependable car accident lawyer, such as Christopher A. Privateer Attorney At Law, so they can go over the accident with you and help represent you in court.