How to Take Action After a Car Accident A car accident can be a traumatic and scary experience, making it difficult to know what to do after it happens. Its important to act quickly to ensure that everyone involved is safe and that all legal steps are followed. Know how to take action after a car accident so you can be prepared in case of an emergency. Steps Take Action After a Car Accident Step 1.jpg 1)Determine any injuries The most important thing to do immediately after a car accident is to assess any injuries you or the other drivers and passengers have received. Determine your own safety, then check with the other people involved and, if necessary, immediately call for an ambulance. Take Action After a Car Accident Step 2.jpg 2)Move your vehicle, if possible If you can safely drive your vehicle, move it off to the side of the road and out of the path of oncoming traffic. This will keep you at a safe distance from traffic while you exchange information with the other drivers and make it easier for police and ambulance workers to reach the scene of the accident. Call the police Take Action After a Car Accident Step 3.jpg 3)Police will take statements from all drivers involved in the car accident and determine if a police report is necessary. This information will be important when filing insurance claims for your automobile accident. Write down the investigating officers name and badge number in case your insurance agent or attorney needs to contact the officer. Take Action After a Car Accident Step 4.jpg 4)Exchange information Get the names, addresses and phone numbers of all the other drivers involved in the traffic accident. Write down the make, model, year and license plate number of each vehicle. Be sure to obtain all insurance information including the company, policy number and any insurance agent contact information the driver can provide. Take Action After a Car Accident Step 5.jpg 5)Take pictures Photograph damage to your car and the other vehicles involved in the accident. This will help document the damage when you submit an accident claim to your insurance company. Take Action After a Car Accident Step 6.jpg 6)Retain witnesses Obtain names and contact information for any witnesses of the accident. Write down their account of what happened and make sure they agree to allow your attorney or insurance agent to contact them. Stay where you are Take Action After a Car Accident Step 7.jpg 7)Stay with your vehicle until the police have arrived and filed any necessary reports and all pertinent information has been exchanged. Leaving the scene could result in criminal charges or misrepresentation of the accident. Take Action After a Car Accident Step 8.jpg 8)Document medical treatment Keep records of any hospital visits, tests, prescriptions or other expenses that arise as a result of your auto accident. This information will be needed by your insurance company and attorney. Take Action After a Car Accident Step 9.jpg 9)File an insurance claim Immediately report the car accident to your insurance company. Also provide the insurance company with information on the other driver. Immediately filing a claim will speed up the process of getting your car repaired and securing a rental vehicle, if necessary.
Posted on: Sat, 12 Jul 2014 11:48:59 +0000
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