Safety has always been our priority on the road, but accidents happen— even to careful drivers. After the accident, we might be stunned with shock or enraged at the other motorist involved in the accident.
Handling the stressful aftermath of an accident is never easy but, the best thing to do first is to stay calm. Keeping a cool head will help you focus on the things that should be prioritized post-accident.
Ultimately, preparation is what will help you protect your ability to make an insurance claim and your health.
1. Check for any damages and injuries
Immediately after the accident, you should determine the extend of damage and check for any injuries. If there are any injuries, call for an ambulance. Minor or not, you and your passenger need urgent medical care.
2. Contact the authorities
Make sure to get a legal accident report from the police. This will help you with your insurance claim against an at-fault driver. This shall also protect you if the other party blames you for the accident.
3. Avoid a discussion with the other party
Limit your discussion with the other party. Do not admit to any fault or liability. In cases like this, you should only talk to the police, medical professional, and your insurance representative.
4. Collect the information of the people involved in the accident
Get the following list of information:
- Name of the drive
- Address of driver
- Contact information
- Insurance company name
- Insurance policy number
- Vehicle description
- Vehicle registration information
- License plate number
About the accident:
- Date and time of the accident
- Location of the accident
- The direction you were traveling in
- The other direction the car was traveling in
- Take photos of the scene
- Any witnesses names and contact information
- The name, badge no. and contact information of the Police Officer who attended to your case
5. Contact Your Insurance Company
Call your agent and report what happened and work with them in filing your car accident claim.