What To Do After A Car Accident

Anyone that has been in an automobile accident before will testify just how traumatic this can be. Even a minor collision can leave you feeling shaken and stick in your mind for a long while after the event. Nobody expects to get into an accident, but they are incredibly common and can happen to the best of motorists. This also means that often people do not know how to react after an accident which is a problem because it is vital that you act quickly so that you can promote safety and make sure that no one else gets hurt. This is what you need to know.

Stop & Check For Injuries

First, you must turn off the engine, switch the hazard lights on and check yourself and any passengers for injuries – keep in mind that some injuries may only present themselves later, like whiplash, so keep an eye out for this. If anyone is hurt then call the emergency services (and/or if the road is blocked). You should also call the police if the other driver(s) leave the scene or if you believe that they are under the influence.

Exchange Details

You should then meet with the other driver(s) and exchange details. This will include:

• Name and address
• Insurance information
• Details of passengers and witnesses
• Who the registered owner of the vehicle is

At this point, you should try to avoid placing any blame even if you think the accident was yours or another driver’s fault.

Make A Record

Next, you should record as many details as possible to get a clear idea of what transpired. This might include:

• Details of automobiles involved
• Time and date of the accident
• Driving conditions
• Injuries sustained
• Damage to vehicles and/or property
• In addition to writing down the details, it is also a good idea to take photos of the accident scene, damage inflicted, and any injuries sustained.

Notify Your Insurer

You should notify your insurer as soon as possible even if you do not plan to make a claim. You will need to provide them with your policy number along with all of the details that you have recorded.

Speak To A Car Accident Lawyer

If you have sustained an injury and the accident was not your fault, then you should speak to a law firm that specializes in car accidents. They will help to recover the compensation that you are entitled to, which is helpful for financial reasons but also for holding the responsible driver accountable for their actions.

Being involved in an automobile accident can be terrifying and leave you feeling shaken for a long time. Accidents can happen at any time on the roads even if you are a great driver, so you need to know how to react after an accident. In addition to promoting safety and getting medical attention if required, this is also so that you can get a clear overview of what transpired and take action if needed. Hopefully, you will never need to use this information, but it is vital that you have the
knowledge just in case.