Experiencing a car accident can be daunting, requiring you to remain calm and level-headed all the time. However, you can handle the accident without letting the situation get out of hand if you follow the steps below:
Car Accident
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1. Move Your Car to Avoid Crowding
To prevent more accidents and crowding, the first thing you need to do is move your car away from traffic (if it really allows you to do so), preferably to the side of the road. However, in case of a major accident, it would be better to call the police first, so they can divert the traffic.
2. Check Yourself and Your Passengers for Injuries
Whether it is a minor or a major accident, you must first take the passengers out of the car and check yourself and the passengers for any injuries. If you find anyone involved in the accident injured, immediately call an ambulance describing the accident and sustained injuries.
3. Call the Police
It is mandatory bylaw to call the police immediately after the accident. They will help keep everyone calm (including the ongoing traffic). The police report mentions all the facts of the accident and can be useful for your car insurance claim.
4. Do not Admit Fault or Assign Blame
The police and your insurance agent ascertain the liability of the accident. Keep discussion to a minimum and once you exchange information with the other driver(s), remain silent. Anything you say like “I’m so sorry I ran that red light! Is everyone okay?”can be held against you in the police report and the insurance claims process.
5. Exchange Information with the Other Drivers Involved
Relevant details which should be exchanged with the other drivers involved in the accident include your full name, phone number, home address, driver’s license number, license plate number, insurance company and insurance policy number. Besides, you should note down the time of the accident, location, description of the other vehicles included in the accident such as make, model, color, license plate number and description of passengers.
6. Contact your Insurance Agent and Car Accident Lawyer
You should contact your insurance agency and car accident lawyer immediately and provide them the details of the accident. Make sure you provide 100% correct details to both. Wrong information can land you in trouble and can lead to possible denial of coverage.
7. Take Pictures
Use front and rear dash Cam in your car so it will detect every accidental activity on the road ahead of you or use your phone camera to document the damage done in the accident. Take close pictures of the damage as well as an overall picture of the accident itself to show the context in which it took place. Your insurance agent will need these pictures to determine how much compensation you should be granted. These pictures may also help in court.
8. Inform Your Loved Ones of the Accident
If you want to handle a car accident effectively, call your loved ones and inform them about the accident. If you thankfully did not sustain any injuries, be sure to tell them. If you are in an ambulance to the hospital and cannot speak to them on the phone, ask someone to call them for you and inform them of the hospital you are being taken to.
There are many factors that contribute to car accidents.
