Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. Amid the chaos and confusion, knowing what steps to take to protect yourself and others involved is essential. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do after a car accident, ensuring that you handle the situation responsibly and efficiently.
- Ensure Safety:
The main priority after a car accident is safety. Move your vehicle to a nearby safe location, if possible, and turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers. Check yourself and others for injuries and, if necessary, call emergency services immediately.
- Contact the Authorities:
Regardless of the severity of the accident, it’s essential to notify the police or local law enforcement. They will document the incident and create an official accident report, which can be crucial for insurance claims and legal purposes. This step is often disregarded for various reasons; however, I cannot stress the importance of this step enough. All parties might seem cooperative and helpful at the scene of the accident, but that can change after the initial shock of the accident wears off. It is important for the police to gather statements from all parties so that there is an independent account of those events for review later.
- Gather Information:
Exchange information with the other party involved in the accident. Obtain their name, contact details, driver’s license number, insurance information, and license plate number. If there are witnesses, try to gather their contact information as well. If you call the police, ask them for a driver exchange report before they leave. This is a one-page printout containing all the pertinent information above. Additionally, take photos or videos of the accident scene, including damage to both vehicles.
- Document the Incident:
While waiting for the authorities to arrive, make a detailed record of the accident. Include information such as the date, time, location, and your recollection of events. This documentation will assist you when filing insurance claims and recalling the incident accurately.
- Notify Your Insurance Company:
Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the accident. This does not have to be at the scene of the accident, as the focus at the scene should be safety and information gathering. Provide your insurance company with all the necessary information, including the details of the other party involved. They will guide you through the claims process and advise you on any additional steps required.
- After the claim is filed:
Your insurance carrier assigns claims to insurance adjusters. The adjuster is the person who will take your statement of events, review estimates and pertinent accident documents, and ultimately, resolve your claim. An adjuster will typically contact you within 48 hours of reporting the claim. It is of the utmost importance to connect with them when able. In the age of call screening and unknown spam numbers, it’s easy to miss their contact attempts. Make a point to stay aware that they will be contacting you. If they leave a message, return it as soon as you can.
Once you are in contact with the adjuster, they will take a recorded statement of your account of the accident. Including all details you remember and answering the questions honestly is important. This will be critical in determining the appropriate liability for the accident. The adjuster should also lay out a timeline and expectations for the next steps of the claim.
Experiencing a car accident is an unfortunate event that can be extremely stressful, but knowing what steps to take afterward can make a significant difference in protecting yourself and ensuring a smoother claims process. By prioritizing safety, gathering information, and being prompt in communications, you can navigate the aftermath of a car accident with confidence. Remember to remain calm, act responsibly, and focus on your well-being throughout the process. These scenarios are called accidents for a reason; they can happen to any of us at any time.
Written by: Tyler McAndrew