Post- Car Accident Checklist
What to do When you Get into a Car Accident
Car accidents are an unfortunate possibility any time you get behind the wheel of a vehicle. Even the safest and most cautious drivers might find themselves in a car accident, sometimes through no fault of their own. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated that around 8,730 people died in car accidents in the first quarter of 2021. These tragic accidents can impact a huge number of lives every year.
If you happen to find yourself in a car accident, the experience can be highly stressful. It is important to already have an idea of what to do after an accident. While getting in a car accident can be anxiety-inducing, if you follow this post-car accident checklist, you can have the peace of mind of knowing exactly how to handle the situation.
Here is a checklist of actions you should take after a car accident:
1. Check For Injuries
The very first thing to do after an accident is to assess whether or not you have any injuries that require immediate medical attention. If you are injured, call 911 immediately or have someone do it for you. Be sure to check on any of your passengers and the other driver to see if anyone else was injured. When in doubt, call 911 for an ambulance to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved in the accident.
2. Call The Police
After you’ve confirmed the well-being of yourself, your passengers, and the other driver, you should always call 911 to have the police come to the scene. It doesn’t matter if the accident seems minor, you should always have a police report filed in case you need it in the future. The police officer that arrives will take a look at the scene and fill out a report with the necessary information. This is very important for insurance purposes, so don’t neglect this step just because you think an accident was minor only to realize later that it wasn’t.
3. Gather Information
In the heat of the moment, it can be easy to forget the basics such as getting all the relevant contact information from the other driver. Once you’re sure that nobody requires immediate medical attention, ask the other driver for their information. The information you ask for should include their full name, contact information, insurance company, policy number, vehicle make and model, and license plate number. Also, take pictures of the accident from multiple angles for future reference.
4. Contact Your Insurance Agent
Getting in touch with your insurance agent will help start the claims process. Tell them about the accident and any additional information they need. They will likely tell you the steps you need to take to start a claim. This is where the photos and information gathering from before comes into play.
5. Call 1-800-411-PAIN
Getting into a car accident can be a painful experience that might require medical attention. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a careless or reckless driver and has been injured, call 1-800-411-PAIN and get the help you need! We will refer you to the attorneys that will fight to get you the compensation you deserve and the medical attention you need. If you have been hurt in an accident, call 1-800-411-PAIN, and we will guide you in finding you the best medical and legal professionals.
