Things to Do After a Car Accident

Accidents happen. Knowing what to do immediately after a car accident can help minimize the physical and legal damage.

On average, more than 6 million traffic accidents happen each year. Your odds of being in one or more car accidents in your lifetime are roughly 75 percent. Whether you're the driver or passenger, car accidents can be traumatic and often leave you shaken and unsure of what to do next. A game plan will help you as you begin recovery. The following eleven tips will help you stay focused.

Never Leave the Scene of an Accident

Never drive away from the scene of an accident, no matter how minor it may seem. Leaving the scene of an accident is a misdemeanor at a minimum and a felony if you leave the scene knowing that someone was injured. In addition to facing criminal charges, leaving the scene of an accident may result in an automatic suspension of your license.

Turn on Your Hazard Lights

Turn on your hazard lights. You should determine whether the other driver is doing the same. This will warn other drivers of the accident and prompt them to slow down. Often, the most severe injuries happen after the initial impact. Turning on your hazards lets others know the road ahead is unclear, so they can proceed cautiously.

Make Sure Everyone is OK

As a rule of thumb, anyone involved in an accident should check to see that everyone else is OK. Passengers may be in shock and also suffer injuries. Call emergency services if you are unsure that everyone involved is unharmed.

Call the Police

It is also essential to call the police after an accident. You may not feel like it, but getting an official record of the incident is vital. Even if the accident was a minor fender bender, you should still call the police so they can document all information about the accident. If you don't report the accident to the police, you risk having your claim denied because your insurer may say the police filed no official report.

Provide an Accurate Report of the Accident

Remember what happened in the car accident so you can report it accurately. Write down the time of the accident, the make, model, and license plates of the vehicles involved, any damage sustained, and the names of the occupants. Record as much information as you can without putting anyone's safety at risk.

Take Pictures

If possible, take photographs of any damage to your vehicle and to other vehicles involved in the accident (whether you're at fault or not), as well as any injuries sustained by you or others. You may need to show this to the police or your insurance carrier.

Exchange Information

Make sure you have a complete, detailed exchange of information with yourself, other drivers and passengers, and any witnesses to the accident. You'll need names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance information, driver's license numbers, and license plate numbers.

Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

Your insurance company will want to know about any accidents you may have had. Therefore, you should file a report with your insurance carrier as soon as possible after an accident. The company you file with may also help you work with the other driver's insurance company to settle any damages.

Seek Medical Attention

Get medical attention if you've been injured in an accident, even if it doesn't seem serious. Your injuries may not become apparent for hours or days, so have a medical professional check for any problems that may arise. Failing to do so could affect your ability to recover damages from the other party.

Keep a File or Collision Report

Car accidents are stressful enough without a run-in with the police, insurance companies, and countless other distractions. Ensure you have a file of all the details surrounding your accident so you can provide it to courts and insurance companies when needed. It may also be helpful to keep track of witnesses and their contact information for future reference.

Know Your Rights

Knowing your rights is essential if you've ever been in a car accident. If you're injured in a car accident, you may be able to recover money for your medical bills. However, you may also be entitled to damages for pain and suffering or lost wages. Contact an attorney who can help you recover compensation.

Recovering from a car accident can take a few weeks or many years. While the accident may only last a few seconds, the aftermath can last a long time. In an accident, there are often costs beyond car repairs. You may need medical treatment or be unable to get to work or school until you get your vehicle back from the shop. Give yourself time to recover from a car accident before jumping back into your responsibilities.

Disclaimer

I am not a lawyer or legal advisor. Accordingly, the information provided on this website does not constitute legal advice; all information, content, and materials available are for general informational purposes only. As always, I wrote this article for a general audience.