According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, although fewer people were on the road in 2020, over 36,000 people died in car accidents. That was a seven percent increase from the previous year.
Car accidents can be daunting for anyone involved because they are life-threatening situations. However, if you get into an auto accident and survive, knowing what to do afterward can be confusing.
Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Here are six things you should do after a car accident.
1. Check For Injuries
The first thing you should do after auto accidents are checking for injuries. If no one has been harmed in the crash, that’s great. However, if there are injuries, call 911 immediately to prevent the situation from getting worse.
Even if the accident were minor, it would still be better to call the police. It can help the process move along smoother.
2. Move Vehicles To a Safer Area
After checking to see if everyone is unharmed next, you should check on your vehicle. If it’s functional, try moving it to a safer area.
Sometimes an auto accident causes significant traffic delays. But moving your vehicle to the side will put you and your car in a safer area. If you have road flares, consider setting them up to alert other drivers of the accident.
3. Exchange Information
Once your vehicle is moved, you should exchange information with the other driver. Usually, all you’ll need to document is their name and insurance company, but it will vary depending on the state you live in.
However, try to document as much information as you can, such as:
- The other driver’s phone number if they provide it
- Witness contact information
- Responding officer badge number
- Police report number
Having all of this information present can help strengthen your case if you decide to hire a car accident lawyer.
4. Take Pictures
Taking pictures after a car accident is crucial to your defense when involved in a car accident. It preserves the scene and gives evidence of damage provided if you weren’t at fault.
Also, if you have any physical injuries, ensure you take pictures of those too. You may be able to get some additional compensation for them.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company
After gathering enough information about the accident, it’s time to notify the insurance company. Explain the nature of the situation, and give them the other driver’s name and your police report number.
Usually, a claims adjuster will get sent out to assess the damage to your vehicle. However, the length of time you’ll have to wait will depend on your insurance provider.
6. Contact a Lawyer
Lastly, if you believe you have a solid case, you should contact a car accident attorney. They’ll be able to strengthen your claim and get you rightful compensation.
If you live in Palatka, Florida, and are unsure where to find an attorney, visit this location. You’ll get the necessary car accident help you need.
Follow These Steps After a Car Accident
After a car accident, people are unsure what to do because they’ve been thrown for a loop. However, follow our steps above to ensure you ease the tensions of an accident and proceed in a civilized manner.
To learn more auto accident tips, visit our blog for related content.
