How to Act After a Car Accident

Khodrocar - It's important to act quickly to ensure that everyone involved is safe and that all legal steps are followed. Knowing how to take action after a car accident can also protect you from frivolous lawsuits and ensure that you receive the appropriate compensation for any injuries or damage to your vehicle.

You will likely be angry, scared, shocked, nervous, guilty, or a combination of all of these emotions in the aftermath of an accident. The calmer you are, the better you will be able to deal with the situation. Take a few deep breaths or count to ten to steady yourself.

The most important thing to do immediately after a car accident is to assess any injuries you or the other drivers and passengers have received. Determine your own safety, then check with the other people involved and, if necessary, immediately call for an ambulance. If someone is unconscious or has neck pain, moving them may cause serious harm. Leave them in place until medical personnel arrives, unless leaving them in place would endanger them (i.e. they are lying in traffic, their car is on fire, etc.).

Get the names and phone numbers of all the other drivers involved in the traffic accident. Write down the make, model, year and license plate number of each vehicle. Be sure to obtain all insurance information including the company, policy number and any insurance agent contact information the driver can provide.

Obtain names and contact information for any witnesses of the accident. Write down their account of what happened and make sure they agree to let your attorney or insurance agent contact and question them. They may be helpful if the other driver disputes your account of the accident.

Photograph damage to your car and the other vehicles involved in the accident. Also take photos of the accident location and the people involved. This will help document the damage when you submit an accident claim to your insurance company. It will also help protect you in the event the other motorist claims more serious injury or car damage than actually occurred.

Immediately report the car accident to your insurance company. Also provide the insurance company with information on the other driver. Immediately filing a claim will speed up the process of getting your car repaired and securing a rental vehicle, if necessary. Do not lie when stating the facts of the accident, as this can result in denial of your coverage.

Keep records of any hospital visits, tests, prescriptions or other expenses that arise as a result of your auto accident. This information will be needed by your insurance company and attorney.

Source: wikihow.com