Five Things You MUST Do After A Car Accident And The One Thing You CAN T
Five Things You MUST Do After A Car Accident. And The One Thing You CAN’T
Every five seconds there`s one police-reported auto crash.
It doesn`t matter how careful you are – there`s always the chance that it could be you.
If you`re involved in a crash that causes serious injury, your very first priority is getting the medical care you or others need. If the collision is obstructing traffic, warn motorists as best (and as securely) as you can (use your hazards, or emergency flares).
Once you`ve made sure no one is gravely hurt, here are the five things you MUST do:
1. Make sure everyone`s safe. Then call the police.
Even if the accident doesn`t seem serious, it`s significant for you to contact the police to make a report. Depending on the state, it may be against the law not to, especially if someone was injured, or if the harm is over a duo hundred dollars.
If you`re not sure about your state`s laws, you should call the police and make sure you`re following the decent protocol before leaving the scene of the accident.
In some states, you have to report accidents that involve private injury or a certain dollar amount of harm to your DMV. If this is a requirement in your state, you have a certain amount of time to make your report. If you don`t do this, you could lose your license.
Two. Record all the details.
Getting the details down at the scene is crucial. Reminisce to keep a pen and pad of paper in your glove compartment for such emergencies.
Things to record:
- All the names and phone and license numbers of the people involved. This includes passengers and drivers of all vehicles, as well as witnesses. DON`T let witnesses leave without getting their contact info; if there is a disagreement over the cause of the accident, you`ll need to call on them.
- The exact time, location of the accident and the date
- Visibility, plus road and weather conditions
- Each car`s make, model and year, plus license plate numbers
- The insurance information of all drivers involved
- The injuries and damages
- Your account of the accident, including a diagram
Three. Contact your insurance agent.
Your insurance policy may require you to notify the company of an accident – and sometimes you only have a brief amount of time to do it in. Failing to report the accident could mean your company will deny to pay for the damages.
Provide them with your account and gathered information, and find out if any extra documentation will be needed.
Four. Keep good records.
As you talk to the police, the insurance company, lawyers, etc., make sure you keep careful notes. Get names (plus badge number if you`re speaking to a police officer), time and what was discussed, especially if there are decisions made.
If there are any complications later these records will help support your case.
You should also drape onto all paperwork. For insurance purposes, save all the receipts that result from your accident. That includes towing costs, storage charges and a rental car if your insurance covers it.
Five. Talk to or visit your doctor if you`re hurt.
If you feel you`ve been injured in an auto accident, it`s significant to seek treatment right away, especially if there is a possibility you will file a claim against the other driver.
The one thing NOT to do after an accident:
DON`T admit or accept blame, even if you think you caused the accident. You need to cooperate with the police, but be careful to state the facts without admitting guilt. Whatever you say in front of the police, witnesses or other drivers could be held against you down the road.
NEVER admit blame, sign any paperwork or tell someone you will pay for their damages until AFTER you have spoken to your insurance agent or lawyer.