Car accidents happen every day and everywhere in the United States. Whether a slight fender bender or a serious collision, these things happen. The risk cannot be eliminated but can be avoided. Hence, one needs to be prepared for such cases. This post contains things that to do after a car crash. Read on to find out more!
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Stop the Car
The first thing to do after an accident is to stop your car. If you don’t, it is considered an act of crime under hit-and-run, whether you are at fault or not.
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Check Yourself and the Passengers Properly for any Injuries
After getting involved in an accident, you shouldn’t come running out of your car. Allow yourself time to take in the situation. Check yourself and the car occupants for any injuries. Call 911 and wait for help to arrive if the injury is fatal. Before an ambulance arrives, try to remain calm and not move.
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Move Yourself to Safety
If your injuries are minor, move yourself and your car to safety. Standing on the freeway can pose more danger to you, and you may get hit by fast-moving cars. However, if the accident is fatal, set up flares and reflective emergency triangles to warn other drivers of the crash.
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Call the Police
It would be best to inform the police after being involved in a car crash. It is important to do so. Some states allow online reporting, while some still come to the accident scene. If an officer arrives, take note of their name, contact information, and badge number. Also, get a copy of the accident report. It will facilitate your claim process.
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Exchange the Necessary Information with the Other Victim
You should not involve side talks about responsibility. Instead, you should ask the other driver for their information and give out yours. Get their house address, name, phone number, license number, vehicle identification number, and insurance information. Do not give out your social security number, insurance coverage limits, or other sensitive information.
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Keep Adequate Evidence of the Accident
Take pictures and make videos of the accident. Record the date and time of the accident. Take note of the tiniest fact, no matter how irrelevant it may seem. It will come in handy during the claim process and help your adjuster.
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Call a Tow Truck Company and a Taxi
After documenting the accident, you should get the vehicle off the road. If it is in no condition to be driven, call a tow truck company to get it off the road. You should also call a taxi to help you home. If not, call a friend or relative to drive you home.
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Contact Your Insurance Company
The next thing to do after being involved in a car crash is to contact your insurance company. You should let them know about the crash to start the claim process. Also, your insurer will help you file a claim against the at-fault driver.
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See the Doctor
You may not feel any pain with your adrenaline in full action. After the accident, you may feel pain after the adrenaline has finished its course. No matter how fine you feel after the collision, it would be best if you went for a checkup. See the doctor to ascertain that you are fine.
At Pierce Insurance Group, we have the right auto insurance coverage for you, tailored to suit your insurance need. Our team of insurance experts is available to walk you through the process. Contact us today to get a free quote!