Car accidents are on the rise. They can put you in a stressful situation—not knowing what to do. That’s why you should prepare yourself well—it can be lifesaving. Plus, proper preparations can save you thousands of dollars. So. What should you do after a car accident? What steps should you take? Well, keep reading for more insights.
Stay Ready
The first step involves being ready. Of course, you don’t expect wreckage. However, these things can happen. That’s why you should always prepare yourself. Proper preparations include carrying crash supplies. Don’t forget to carry essential items such as first aid kits, name tags, and a contact emergency number. Have all the most important documents ready. In most states, you will be required to have your driver’s license as well as an insurance card. Print your phone number on a hard copy—your phone might be damaged. Also, ensure that you are covered. Pay your premiums on time. Accidents can be demanding—especially when it comes to repairing costs and medical bills.
Emergency Medical Attention
Immediately after an accident, check to see if there are any causalities. Did anyone get injured? If yes, what is the extent of the injuries? Immediately call 911 or any other medical emergency number. If you realize that you are hurt, don’t move. Moving can worsen the injuries and affect other body organs.
If nobody was injured, consider moving your car off the road. This is to avoid endangering other road users.
Consider Calling the Police
After an accident, you should notify the police. Among other things, the police will write you a police report—which will be used as evidence in court. Plus, the law dictates that every car accident should be documented by a police officer. The report must be fresh and unbiased. It should give a detailed account of what happened. The report should contain the details of all parties involved in the accident. Also, most insurance companies will require you to serve them with the report within 24 hours.
Documenting the Accident
Be sure to gather all the relevant information. Take photos. Don’t forget to take detailed notes of the accident scene. Document the other driver’s particulars—including his/her name, insurance number, car registration number, and occupants. Also, consider taking the contact information of the witnesses. Also, be sure to have a copy of the police report in addition to the police contact number and name.
Never Admit Liability
Never admit responsibility. That’s not your work. Leave it to the lawyers and court to squire it out. They have the skills and experience to determine who is liable for the accident. Plus, if you admit liability, your insurance company might shy away from compensating you.
Talk Your Insurer
Ensure you have car insurance. If you don’t have one, do your research and get the best car insurance. Compare different car insurance quotes. Choose a cover that suites your explicit needs. Then, get in touch with your insurance company in the shortest time possible. Let them come and do their independent investigation.
The Bottom-Line
The steps you take after a car accident are important. That’s why you should prepare yourself well. The above article contains the steps to take after a car accident. If you want, you can sell your total loss vehicle after the settlement and get some money out of it too.