Even when you are not responsible for a car accident, taking the right steps after is collision is a must. Tempers can flare and you may feel flustered by the experience, especially when faced with aggravated motorists.
Knowing what to do after an accident can spare you lots of stress and worry. It can also increase the chance of a good outcome with the insurance company. Here are a few crucial steps you can take.
Get to safety
Start by checking yourself and your passengers for injuries. If there are injuries, call emergency services immediately to ensure you receive medical care. If you and your passengers are not harmed, attempt to get your vehicle to a safe area. In the event you must remain on the road until help arrives, use flares or warning triangles to alert other drivers.
Call the police
Even when there are no injuries, contacting the police is beneficial. The reporting officer will create a report documenting what occurred. This report can help insurers determine who was at fault, which is a major factor when it comes to providing funds for repairs and other issues. Before the officer leaves the scene, request a copy of the report, and take down the person’s name and badge number.
Speak with other drivers
You will also need the contact information of any other drivers involved in the collision. While you should remain polite and civil, refrain from discussing fault. Even seemingly innocent statements can work against you, so stick to practical details.
It is best to contact your insurance company to report the accident as soon as possible. Along with ensuring that you are within the statute of limitations for accident reporting, speaking with the insurer in a timely manner can result in you receiving compensatory funds as soon as possible.