Did you know there’s an average of six million car crashes in the U.S. each year? In those crashes, about 3 million people get injured every year.
Are you one of the millions of people who’ve been in a car accident this year? Or do you want to be informed if you’re ever faced with that situation?
This guide will give you all the information you need for the right steps to take after a car accident. Keep reading to learn more.
Make Sure No One’s Injured
The first thing you should do after an auto accident is to make sure you aren’t injured. If you feel fine and don’t see any visible injuries, take the time to check on your passengers.
If everyone in your car is safe you should then check on the driver and passengers in the other car. If anyone’s hurt it’s vital to call emergency services right away.
Move Somewhere Safe if You Can
If you’re wondering what to do if you’ve been in a car accident, the next step should be to move somewhere safe if possible. If your car is in the middle of the road you’re at risk of causing another accident.
If your car is in good enough shape move it to the side of the road and turn on the hazard lights. Even if the accident only caused a small scratch, you should still call the police. Making a police report is an important step that shouldn’t be skipped.
Document Everything
Before leaving the scene of the accident you should document everything you can. Take pictures of both cars and any damage to them. If you do have visible injuries, take pictures of yourself as well.
Make sure to exchange contact information with the other driver involved. The list of information should include their full name, phone number, driver’s license number, and plate number, insurance information, car type, and location where the accident took place.
Talk to Your Car Insurance Company
The next step in the process includes contacting your car insurance company. It’s important to start processing your claim right away.
Your insurance agent will tell you what information they need to process your claim faster. The pictures you took will help them process your claim so you can pay for any medical bills and car repairs as soon as possible.
Contact an Attorney
The final step in the process is to contact a car accident attorney. An attorney can help you through the entire claims process. They can even negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf.
If you need to file a personal injury lawsuit, a car accident attorney will take care of the court proceedings so you can focus on your recovery.
Follow These Steps After a Car Accident
Follow the steps in the guide above if you’ve been in a car accident. After taking care of any injuries you’ll need to document everything and call an attorney if you need help getting compensation.
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