How You Should Handle An Auto Accident

According to Forbes, there were 5.25 million car accidents in the year 2022 in the United States. Many of these accidents result in the injury or death of those involved. It is an unfortunate reality of driving automobiles. We are all driving at high speeds and when we get into an accident it can be devastating. If you have been in an accident, there are several rules and guidelines that you should follow. Most drivers do not know what to do after they have been in an accident, but we are here to help you with that. Here is what you should do:

• Check for Injuries & Seek Medical Care: People are often injured during auto accidents because of colliding with another vehicle or stationary objects at high speeds. The first thing you should do is check for injuries and the extent of those injuries. If someone is seriously injured, you need to seek medical care immediately.

• Move Vehicle(s) Out of Traffic If Possible: After everyone is ok, move the impacted vehicles out of traffic to the side of the road. Also, be sure to use your vehicle’s hazard lights to indicate to oncoming traffic that your vehicle is currently disabled or has been in an auto accident.

• Report the Accident to the Police: Do not leave the season without reporting the incident to the police. Dial 911 after everyone is ok and you have moved your vehicle. Answer questions that police officers ask you but do not admit fault. Ask for the name and badge number of the police officers that you interact with as well. After the police have finished gathering the facts, ask for a copy of the police report for your insurance company. A lot of police departments use online services to provide motorists with copies of their reports. So, they may give you a report number and a website to go to get your copy of the report.

• Exchange Insurance Info & Take Pictures: Although the police report gives you an official, unbiased account of what occurred leading up to the crash and the facts surrounding it, we recommend gathering evidence yourself. Take pictures of your vehicle, any damaged property, and the damage to any other vehicles involved. Take multiple angles of damage to help adjustors determine who is at fault for the accident. You should also exchange information with the other drivers involved which includes their name, phone number, address, and insurance information. Try to get the make and model of their vehicle as well.

• Contact Your Insurance Agency: Regardless of who is at fault, you should contact your insurance company to begin the insurance claims process. It is your choice whether you want to file a claim with your insurance provider or the other driver’s. However, you still need to inform your insurance company that you were in an accident. After that, you should provide the insurance company with all the information and documentation that you have to help them determine who is at fault.

• Contact Your Car Accident Attorney: If you were seriously injured during an auto accident that was not your fault, you should get in touch with your local personal injury attorney. They will help you sue the other driver’s insurance for fair and full financial compensation.