Getting into a car accident is always scary. There’s no way to know how it will end, and we’re often left wondering what the other driver is feeling and thinking. We may also wonder if there will be any lasting damage from the crash. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help ensure your safety after an accident – or at least make life easier in the short term.
1) Call Emergency Services Right Away
Call 911 if there are injuries.
First, calling 911 should be your priority after a car accident. If anyone is injured – no matter how minor their injury may seem – call immediately. Even small injuries can become serious issues when ignored for too long, and the only proper way to get medical attention for anyone who has been hurt in an accident is through an ambulance.
Don’t attempt to move the car if it’s unsafe.
In most cases, if you’re not injured or too shaken up from your accident, then you should try calling emergency services as soon as possible – especially after a collision between two passenger vehicles. If there are no injuries and it is safe to do so, try to move your car out of traffic. If you’re having trouble finding a way to do this yourself, then call for help from the police or another passerby.
2) Call Your Insurance Agent
Even if there are no injuries and your car seems to be driving fine, you need to call your insurance company right away. There is no better way of finding out if there has been any damage than by speaking with an agent, and this will also get the process of reporting your accident started.
3) Document Everything that Happened
Take pictures – Be sure to get photos of all passengers in each car involved in the crash and any bystanders who might have seen what happened. It’s important to get photos of the damage done to both vehicles, and it is also helpful to take a picture of the other driver’s license plate and insurance information.
Record important information – In addition to taking photos, be sure to keep a written record of everyone involved in the accident, including where they live, their phone numbers, and their driver’s license numbers. You need this information from the other party because it will go on your report for insurance purposes.
4) Seek Medical Attention if Needed
If you are injured in a car accident, then getting help from a doctor will probably be your next priority after calling 911 or speaking with your insurance agent. You may want to go to a hospital even if you feel like your injuries aren’t that severe.
Finally, always remember not to panic after an accident. Getting upset will only make things more difficult, and staying calm will enable you to be more aware of what’s happening around you and provide the best possible service for everyone involved. Of course, some accidents cause greater damage than others – but by following these four steps, you can help get things back to normal as quickly as possible. After following these 4 steps, it’s important to reach out to a lawyer who can help you with the car accident aftermath.