27 Apr What To Do If You Get In A Car Accident
What To Do If You Get In A Car Accident
More than 6 million car accidents occur in the United States each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In California alone, there are more than 300,000 car accidents each year. Getting into an accident is scary, whether it’s a minor fender bender or a more serious collision. You may be shaken up after an accident, so it’s important to educate yourself ahead of time to minimize common mistakes that can influence fault during insurance claims.
One of the first steps to take after getting into an accident is to make sure that you and anyone else that was in your vehicle is safe. If there is another vehicle involved, be sure to check on the other driver and their passengers as well. Once you’ve confirmed the safety of everyone involved, move the impacted vehicles to the side of the road and away from traffic, if possible. Then contact your local authorities, gather the required information, and start the insurance claims process.
Steps To Take After A Car Accident
Check For Injuries
The first thing you should do after an accident is to ensure you and your passengers are safe and uninjured. If there’s other vehicles involved, check to make sure they are safe as well. Accidents are distressing, but staying calm will help you stay in control of the situation and make handling the situation less stressful.
Call The Police
No matter how big or small the accident is, it’s important to always notify the authorities. In some states, it is even legally required to do so. Once the police have arrived, answer their questions as thoroughly as possible so they can accurately file a police report. They will ask for your driver’s license and insurance information at this time. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to get the name and badge number of the officers you speak with. Lastly, request a copy of the police report as it can help your insurance company during the claims process.
If the police can’t make it to the scene of the accident, or aren’t dispatched, then it’s best to exchange information with the other driver or drivers involved. Typically, you are able to file a report yourself at your local police station or department of motor vehicles (DMV).
Take Pictures
Taking pictures of the accident scene can greatly benefit you during the insurance claims process. Be sure to take photos of the damage to your vehicle and the other vehicles involved in the accident. Use multiple angles to show exactly where any impact occurred.
Additionally, if you are unfamiliar with the area, take pictures of street signs to help during the claims process.
Clear The Road
If your vehicle is driveable, move it to the side of the road and away from traffic. Only do this when possible, or if it’s safe to do so. However, do not leave the scene of the accident. Additionally, it’s smart to warn oncoming traffic using your hazard lights, if they are still functional.
Exchange Information
Although the police report offers official documentation of the accident, it’s smart to gather your own information. Be sure to get the name, address, phone number, and insurance information of the other driver or drivers involved in the accident. In addition to this, swap other info such as car make, car model, driver’s license number, and license plate number.
Sometimes, there may be third–party witnesses who saw the accident occur. When possible, politely ask for their contact information.
Don’t Talk Blame
Emotions can run high after a car accident. The best thing to do is to avoid discussions about responsibility with others involved in the accident. The only people you should speak to on the scene are the police officers. Even after the fact, you should never communicate directly with other people who were involved in the accident if they attempt to get in touch with you.
File A Claim
The last step is to call your insurer and start the insurance claims process. Whether or not you are at fault, it’s a good idea to inform your insurance company about the incident. Remember that it is up to you if you want to file a claim with your insurance provider, or the other driver’s insurance provider. Following the steps above, your claims process will be hassle free thanks to all the important pieces of information you gathered, including pictures.
What Do You Do If You’re Not Sure?
If you’re unsure and don’t know where to start, give our experts at Glenoaks Collsion Center a call. We work with all the major auto insurance providers and have years of knowledge and experience in the auto accident and auto insurance industry. Our team will help you open a claim, tow your damaged vehicle, and even book a rental car for you. We will help guide you in the right direction and get you in touch with the right people that will make a hectic and stressful situation easier to deal with.