Car accidents can be frightening and can put those involved in a state of shock. No one ever wants to be in a car accident, so when it happens it can be frustrating for the involved parties. This is true no matter who is at fault. It is best to remember to stay calm, cool and collected after an accident because getting upset never helps the already negative situation. There are certain things that one must remember to do after an accident, if you are not severely injured. If you are not injured or only suffer from minor injuries, it is best to remember to:
Check that Everyone Involved is OK
The first thing that you must do following an automobile accident is to make sure that you are alright, as well as your passengers and those in the other involved vehicle(s). If anyone is in need of medical attention, more severe than a first aid kit can handle, call an ambulance immediately. The health and well being of the involved parties is the most important thing in a car accident.
Call the Police
Even if you are involved in a minor car accident, it is always a good idea to get the police involved. It is best, even if you are at fault, to contact the police for insurance reasons. Most of the time, police will not arrive on scene unless the accident is more serious, or someone involved is seriously injured. However, it is better to try and call them just in case. If they do arrive at the scene of an accident, they can determine who was at fault. Having a filed police report can help you in terms of insurance down the line, even if the cost is having a ticket given on the scene.
Swap Insurance Information
It is always extremely important to exchange insurance information after a car accident, if all involved parties are not seriously injured. It is best to copy down all information and it also wouldn’t hurt to take photos of the other persons insurance card for reference, in case you lose your written copy. If the other driver is uninsured, file a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. It is smart to copy down the full name, phone number, address, insurance agency name and client number and the license plate. All of this information can help you either get compensation for the accident or give it if it is needed.
Record the Scene
It is very smart to either keep a small camera in your glove compartment or to have a phone with a camera on it at all times. These can come in handy in the event of an accident because you will be able to properly record all of the damage caused by the accident. You should not only take photos of your own car, but also of the other cars involved.
After you have recorded the scene and swapped insurance information it will be time for you to file a claim with your insurance agency.
If you have any questions regarding what to do after a car accident, or are seeking legal counsel for an Austin car accident related case, contact (BDF&A) today!
