Colliding with another vehicle, whether it is a minor or a major collision, can happen to anyone, and it can be a truly traumatic experience. Not only do you have to deal with the fact that you have crashed, but the aftermath can be even worse. Here is a short guide to help prepare you in case of an accident.
Pull Over
As soon as it is safe to do so, pull over and take a breath. As soon as you have stopped, turn on your hazard lights to prevent further accidents. Preferably, you should stop the car in a public area that is safe and well-lit. Getting into a collision can be disorientating, but by keeping calm initially, you can take stock of the situation and prevent it from getting worse.
Check Yourself and Your Passengers
It is important to check yourself and your passengers for injuries and keep them secure while you deal with the situation. Don’t leave vulnerable passengers alone in a hot car with the windows up or by the side of the road, either. This may sound like common sense, but getting into an accident can throw off your senses, and you could be prone to react in ways that you usually wouldn’t. Of course, if there are any injuries, or if you are unsure, call an ambulance just in case.
Document the Accident
At this point, you should speak to the other driver calmly and swap names, addresses, and contact details. You should also take pictures of all cars involved, the accident scene, and any damage done. This can help prove your case in the future should the other driver try to make a false claim against you. In addition, you should take note of the time and date of the incident.
Report the Collision
When it comes to reporting a collision, laws differ depending on what state you’re in. Make sure you research the laws within your state so that you’re not caught out. Even though it may not be a legal obligation to make a report, it could save you hassle in the future. Without the involvement of the police, it will be your word against theirs should they make a false claim.
Seek Legal Advice
After the accident, you will receive phone calls from insurance companies who want to take your statement. The best way to protect your rights is to speak to a professional. Schrier Law Group can provide you with a specialist auto accident attorney who can guide you through this stressful time. They will make sure you are well looked after from start to finish and can also offer personalized advice related to claims, compensation, and medical care. They will ensure the other driver’s insurance company does not take you for a ride.
Keep Hold of Important Documents
After you have done all of these steps, you may feel as though there is nothing left to do but wait. At this point, it is essential that you keep all of your documents together so that you can easily refer to them in the future. This includes all of the information you have collected so far and any expenses and receipts incurred due to the collision in the future.