If you are in a car accident, it is important to stay composed and take the necessary steps to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. In this post, we will discuss what you should do immediately after a car accident. Follow these 8 steps and you will be on your way to recovering from the incident as quickly (and painlessly) as possible!
Step One: Check For Injuries And Call 911 If Necessary
If you or anyone else involved in the accident appears to be injured, it is important to call 911 right away. The police and ambulance will be able to assist those who are hurt and ensure that everyone gets the medical attention they need.
When calling 911, make sure to give the dispatcher your location, the number of people who are injured, and a brief description of the accident.
Step Two: Move Your Car To The Side Of The Road
If your car is still operational, move it to the side of the road so that you are not blocking traffic. If you are unable to move your car, turn on your hazard lights and wait for help to arrive.
Step Three: Exchange Information With The Other Driver
You will need to exchange insurance information with the other driver involved in the accident. Be sure to get their name, contact number, and insurance details like insurance company name and policy number.
If there are any witnesses to the accident, get their contact information as well.
Step Four: Take Photos Of The Accident
If you have a camera or phone with a camera, don`t forget to capture pictures of the accident scene. Be sure to capture pictures of any damage to both cars, as well as any injuries that you or the other driver may have.
These photos can be helpful when filing an insurance claim.
If you have a dash-cam installed in your car, be sure to save the footage of the accident. This can also be helpful when filing an insurance claim or speaking with a lawyer.
Step Five: Contact Your Insurance Company
Once you have exchanged information with the other driver and taken photos of the accident, you will need to contact your insurance company. They will begin the process of filing a claim and will be able to assist you in the next steps. If you don`t have an insurance company to lean on, consider checking out Rollin Insurance.
Step Six: Get A Police Report
If you were involved in a grave accident, it is important to get a police report. This report can be helpful when filing an insurance claim or speaking with a lawyer.
To get a police report, you will need to file a request with the local police department. The report will contain information about the accident, including the names of those involved, the date and time of the accident, and a description of what happened.
Step Seven: See A Doctor
Even if you don`t think you are injured, it is important to see a doctor after an accident. Some injuries, such as a whiplash injury of the spine, may not show up until days or weeks after the accident.
A doctor will be able to evaluate your injuries and provide you with the necessary treatment. They will also create a medical record of your injuries, which can be helpful if you decide to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Step Eight: Speak With A Lawyer
If you were injured in the accident or are having trouble getting your insurance claim approved, you may need to speak with a lawyer. An attorney can help you understand your legal options, and can represent you in court if necessary.
For more information on this, check out our blog post why it’s important to contact a lawyer after a car accident.
4 Mistakes To Avoid After A Car Accident
In addition to knowing what to do after a car accident, it is also important to know what NOT to do. These are 4 key mistakes that you should avoid in the aftermath of an accident:
- Don`t leave the scene of the accident. It is important to stay at the scene until the police arrive and give you permission to leave. This is because leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in most regions of the world.
- Don`t admit fault. Even if you think you may have caused the accident, it is important to wait until the investigation is complete before admitting fault. Importantly, never say “I’m sorry” immediately after an accident, as this can be interpreted as an admission of guilt.
- Don`t contact the other party’s insurance company directly. Once you have exchanged information with the other driver, it is important to let your insurance company contact the other driver`s insurance company. If you contact the other insurance company directly, they may try to get you to say things that could hurt your case.
- Don`t sign anything without speaking to a lawyer first. If the other driver`s insurance company offers you a settlement, don`t sign anything until you have spoken to a lawyer. The insurance company may try to get you to sign away your rights to sue or to accept a low settlement amount.
Dealing With The Mental Health Aspect Of A Car Accident
So far, we’ve talked about treating physical injuries and safeguarding financial interests after a car accident.
But what not many of us realize is that a car accident can also have a serious (and negative) impact on your mental health, so much so that it makes people quit driving altogether.
If you’ve been in a car accident, it’s normal to feel shaken up. You may have trouble sleeping, experience anxiety or depression, or feel irritable and angry.
These are all common reactions to trauma. But if these feelings last more than a few weeks, or if they’re interfering with your work or personal life, it’s important to seek professional help.
A therapist can help you work through your emotions and give you tools to deal with stress and anxiety. If you’re having trouble getting back behind the wheel, a therapist can also help you overcome your fear of driving.
So don’t hesitate to reach out for help because taking care of your mental health is as crucial as taking care of your physical health.
