A car accident can be devastating, whether you’re the one who was hit or caused the accident yourself. Either way, you should know what to do right after an auto accident, especially if you were involved in it and have sustained injuries. Here are five tips for what to do after an auto accident to focus on getting better instead of stressing how this will affect your life moving forward.
Check Yourself and Others for Injuries
The first thing you should do after a car accident is to check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Even if there aren’t any injuries, it’s still a good idea to see a doctor as soon as possible after an accident.
Call the Police
Even if the accident is minor, it’s always a good idea to call the police. They can help document what happened and will be able to file a report. This report could be helpful if you need to make an insurance claim or file a lawsuit. In the case of an accident that occurs off the roadway or in a parking lot, you may not be able to get a police report. However, an officer may still be able to help facilitate the exchange of information with the other driver and offer helpful tips.
Collect all Your Insurance Information
Gather your insurance information before the police arrive to help speed the post-accident process along. This will help streamline the process and ensure you get the other driver’s insurance information for claim purposes. You must call your insurance company immediately to start a claim if you have car damage.
Have Your Vehicle Towed to an Authorized Repair Shop
Even if the accident is minor and there’s no damage to your car, this may not be necessary. However, it may still be a good idea to check in with your trusted auto care professional to have your vehicle inspected for any issues immediately after an accident. If there’s any damage to your car, you’ll need to get it towed to a repair shop. Be sure to get an estimate of the repairs before authorizing the work. Your insurance company may specify where you can take your vehicle for repairs, so check with your agent before getting any work done.
Take Pictures of the Scene
It’s essential to take pictures of the accident scene if you can. This will help document what happened and could be helpful later on if you need to file an insurance claim or police report if no officer is present. Be sure to get pictures of any damage to your car, the other car involved, and any injuries that may have occurred. Also, get the contact information of everyone involved, including witnesses and passengers.
Hopefully, you will never be involved in a car accident. However, it helps to be prepared just in case bad luck comes your way. If you are involved in an accident, follow our guide and get your car repaired as soon as possible.