If you’re involved in a car accident, there are certain steps you need to take to ensure your safety and to protect yourself legally. The following is a list of what you should do after a car accident.
Table of Contents
1. Stop Your Car First
First, stop your car and make sure it’s in a safe place. If you can move it, move it off the road so other cars don’t hit it. If you can’t move your car, turn on your hazard lights.
2. Seek Medical Attention
If you’re injured heavily, seek medical attention right away. There are common injuries in car accidents, if you’re not badly hurt, you can wait until the police come. Many injuries don’t show up immediately after an accident, so it’s important to be checked out by a doctor.
If you don’t have health insurance, go to the nearest hospital or clinic and ask for help. You may be eligible for free or low-cost medical care through your state’s Medicaid program.
3. Take Picture and Make Record
Take pictures and videos of the accident scene, including damage to both cars. Write down the names and contact information of both sides, and get the statements who is wrong if you can.
4. Protect the Scene
If you’re able to, set up a perimeter around the accident scene to keep people from walking or driving through it. If there’s glass or other debris on the ground, warn people not to step on it.
5. Call the Police
Check on everyone involved in the accident, and then call the police. Be sure to give them your location and the make, model, and license plate number of the cars involved in the accident.
6. Exchange Information
Once the police have arrived, exchange information with the other drivers involved in the accident. This includes your name, address, phone number, insurance company, and policy number. Be sure to get the same information from the other drivers.
7. Report the Accident
Notify your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. They’ll want to know what happened, how much damage was done, and if anyone was injured. If you have any questions about what to do after a car accident, consult your insurance agent or a lawyer.
8. Keep a File
Keep all of your accident-related documents in a file so you can refer to them later. This includes police reports, witness statements, medical bills, and insurance paperwork. If you need legal assistance, having all of this information will help your attorney better understand your case.
9. Protect Your Rights
If you’re injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation. It’s important to speak with a lawyer who can help you understand your rights and file a claim against the other driver’s insurance company.
