What To Do After An Accident
Post accident care
Getting in a car accident is one of the scariest things that can happen on the road, but it’s much easier to deal with if you know the appropriate steps to take. Keep these steps in mind to make the situation safer and easier for everyone involved.
1) Check for Injuries
The first thing you want to do is make sure you and your passengers are all right. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately.
2) Get to a Safe Place
If possible, move your car out of traffic patterns and turn your hazard lights on. You can also light flares or use reflective triangles and place them around your car to help others avoid hitting you. Don’t get out of your car until it’s safe.
3) Check on Others
If other vehicles were involved in the accident, go check on them to see if they’re injured. If anyone is displaying even minor symptoms of injury, call 911 for an ambulance.
4) Call the Police
Especially if another vehicle was involved or there’s any damage to vehicles or public property, it’s important to make a police report. This will be helpful when dealing with your insurance company. However, if the police are not able to come to the scene, you can also make a report through the DMV.
5) Have Your Car Towed
First, call a nearby service center and ask if your car can be towed to their location. Call a tow truck, whether through your insurance company or AAA, and wait for them. They can give you a lift to the dealership, where you may be able to get a loaner vehicle while yours is being worked on.
6) Call Your Insurance Company
Once you have the information for anyone else involved in the crash, it’s time to make a claim with your insurance company, or with the insurance company of the person responsible for the crash. Gather all the information you have, including photos, the police report, and any other documentation of the scene, and send it off.