WHAT TO DO AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO FOLLOW

Because it occurs suddenly and without notice, an accident or vehicle collision is a frightening experience. It is so unexpected and overwhelming that it might be challenging to think clearly immediately after it occurs. After an accident, there are some things you should do to ease the process of filing insurance claims and/or legal actions. Hiring a highly qualified vehicle accident lawyer is essential if you want to improve the likelihood that any insurance claims or legal actions will be successful. Here are steps to take after a car accident-

Step 1: Check For Injuries

This applies to both you and any other people who may have been in the car with you. You should remain still and wait for emergency personnel to come if you suspect a significant injury that makes moving difficult or impossible. Get out of the car as soon as you can in order to check on the other accident victims and move around safely. Avoid attempting to transfer your passenger or the individuals in the other vehicle if they look to be harmed because doing so could make their injuries worse. Await the arrival of emergency services before assisting them.

Step 2: Get To Safety

This applies to you and anyone else who may have been riding along with you in the car. If you anticipate a serious injury that makes moving difficult or impossible, you should stay motionless and wait for medical services to arrive. As soon as you can, exit the vehicle to move safely and check on the other accident victims. If anyone in your vehicle or the people in the other vehicle appears to be hurt, don't try to move them; doing so could make their injuries worse. Before helping the emergency services, wait for them to arrive.

Step 3: Do Not Leave The Scene

Never, ever leave the site of an accident since doing so is against the law and could result in harsh consequences, especially if anyone was hurt. So, remain there until law enforcement gets there.

Step 4: Call The Police

The police need to be called, even if the collision is minor. When they show up, you should be completely cooperative and without reluctance. Be careful not to criticise anyone else or assign blame for the mishap during your interactions with them. Any admission of guilt could come back to haunt you in legal proceedings or insurance claims. A police record will be submitted, and it will be helpful for filing claims. You can report the incident yourself at the police station or the document if the police are unable to arrive at the spot.

Step 5: Exchange Information

If at all possible, you should swap insurance and contact details with the other driver. Make sure to share the following details:

• Full names, phone numbers, and addresses of the driver, any passengers, and any witnesses
• License plate number and driver's licence
• Company name and policy number
• Vehicle brand, model, and colour Accident scene
• badge numbers for police officers

Step 6: Take Pictures of the Accident Site

Use your phone to take images of the accident's automobiles from different perspectives if it's in working condition. Take pictures of any damaged or destroyed property if there is any. Ask the police officers on the scene how you may get a copy of the police report as well.

Step 7: Call Your Insurance Company

Call your insurance company while you're still on the scene and let them know everything about the collision and any injuries you sustained. They will inform you of any requirements they have for you during the claim’s procedure.

Step 8: Speak with an Accident Lawyer

If there were any injuries as a result of the collision, you should speak with an accident lawyer. They will support you in bringing a claim that can secure the money you require to pay for any accident-related expenses. Additionally, before accepting any settlement offers from your insurance company, you should speak with your lawyer.

After a car accident, it is normal to feel bewildered and puzzled. But if you take a few seconds here are the steps to take after a car accident- collect yourself, evaluate the situation, and do the actions listed above, you will stand a far greater chance of averting any further stress.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What to do after an accident in a hit-and-run situation?

If you or your passengers were hurt in the hit-and-run collision, here are steps to take after a car accident - dial for the police first before submitting a claim to your auto insurance provider. If you later locate the driver, their liability insurance should compensate you for your losses; in the absence of this, your property damages will be covered by collision or uninsured motorist insurance. Medical expenses are covered by medical insurance.

Q2. Do you need to call the police if you’re in a minor accident?

To ensure that the other driver won't suddenly pursue you, you should always call the police. If there are any injuries or if you were involved in a hit-and-run, report it straight away. Verify the reporting rules in your state as well. For instance, drivers in California are required to call the police if an accident occurs but neither driver was there, as might happen if one car were to reverse into another in a parking lot.

Q3. What actions should you take if you cause an automobile accident?

Don't admit fault for the crash at the scene; the insurance companies will decide who was at fault after conducting an investigation. Your liability auto insurance will cover the other driver's repair and medical costs if it is judged that you are at fault.

Q4. What to do after a car accident if it leaves you hurt?

Inform the police right once if you are hurt in a car accident. Do not move your car; doing so could make your injuries worse. Instead, turn on your hazard lights.