What to Do if You Are in an Auto Accident
Many people don’t know what they are supposed to do if they are involved an auto accident, and they often don’t come to this realization until it happens to them. While there’s not much to remember, it’s helpful to know what to do should the occasion arise. Here’s what you should know before you find yourself involved in a collision.
Stay CalmÂ
First of all, do your best to keep your emotions in check. It’s easy to panic whenever there is a car accident, but panicking won’t help the situation. Try as hard as you can to take a deep breath and center yourself before doing anything else. Accidents can be made worse by heightened emotions — sometimes injuries are exacerbated when a panicked person tries to help someone who’s injured and coming after the other party in an angry rage could result in a fight. Do your best to calmly proceed to the next steps.
Check For InjuriesÂ
Check in with yourself: does anything hurt? Have you maintained your full range of motion? If you have other passengers, see how they are doing.
Check with the other party to see if they’re okay. Aside from the inherent value of trying to help other people, this simple act can also help alleviate tensions and make the rest of the process go smoothly. If somebody is injured, do not attempt to move them unless they are in additional immediate danger — contact paramedics and let them handle the situation.
Exchange Information
Get as much information as you can from all parties involved. This includes their full name, phone number, insurance information, and address. Provide the same information in return — sometimes it’s easiest to take a photograph of each other’s insurance cards. Use this as an opportunity to try building a bridge with the other party — hostile attitudes aren’t going to improve the situation. Remember that they’re called accidents for a reason, and everybody makes mistakes. However, that doesn’t mean the appropriate parties shouldn’t be held responsible.Â
Take Photos and Videos
Document the scene as much as possible — take photos from various angles, and if you’re able, film a short video explaining what happened. Make sure you take a good photograph of the other party’s license plate and their entire vehicle so you have the proper information and description if needed. This information will help with insurance and any legal proceedings.
Contact Your InsuranceÂ
Get your insurance provider involved as quickly as possible and provide them with as much information as you have. They can advise you on any other recommended next steps. Your insurance can contact the other party’s insurance and will help sort everything out. Don’t hesitate to ask the insurance representative any questions you have when you call; their job is to make sure you are taken care of.
Auto accidents are never convenient, but knowing what to expect ahead of time will help reduce stress. By staying calm and making your way through the steps outlined above, you can get everything resolved as quickly as possible.
