How to Handle an Automobile Accident

Any time you step inside a vehicle, there’s a risk of being involved in an accident. If you know what to do in the event of an automobile crash, it can lessen your stress and ensure you take the proper steps to protect yourself and those involved immediately after it happens. Here are the steps you should take immediately after an accident.

Assess the Situation

Immediately following the accident, you should assess the situation. If you’re able to safely move your vehicle out of the way of traffic, you should do that first. If you can’t move your car, turn on the hazard lights to alert other cars of an emergency. If you or anyone else is injured, call 911. If you eventually need to start looking for personal injury lawyer, you’ll want documentation of your injuries.

Obtain Information 

If you were involved in a multi-vehicle accident, you will need to exchange information with the other drivers to pass along to the insurance company when you file a claim. Be sure you get the other driver’s name and contact information, their insurance company and policy number if they have it, and license plate number and vehicle information.

Document Facts

In addition to gathering information about the other driver, you should also document the facts of the accident. Get copies of police reports, take photos of your vehicle and the scene of the accident, and get names and contact information for witnesses. Having all this information handy can make the process of filing an insurance claim much easier.

Seek Treatment 

Even if you don’t feel you were injured during the accident, it’s always best practice to seek medical treatment to rule out underlying issues. Once the scene has been secured and police have arrived, consider going to the hospital to be examined by a medical professional.

File a Claim

Many car insurance companies make it easy to file a claim over the phone or using their mobile app. You may want to file the claim while you’re still on the scene. That way you can get all the information that may be required while it’s accessible. Your insurance provider may even be able to help arrange for a tow truck to take your vehicle to a shop to be examined by a qualified examiner.

Remain Calm

As stressful as an accident can be, you should try to remain calm. If you panic, you can only make the situation worse and cloud your judgment. By keeping a cool head, you’ll be able to provide an accurate statement to officers and remember key details of the event that could prove useful to your insurance company. Take a deep breath and give yourself time to process the accident when you’re in a safe space.

Handling an automobile accident can be stressful for even the most experienced drivers. Having a plan before an accident happens can help you remain calm and ensure you don’t forget to obtain any vital information you may need. Keep these steps in mind to ease your stress and help you through the process as smoothly as possible.

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How to Handle an Automobile Accident — Bike Hacks