What is the first thing you should do after being involved in an accident car?
1- Stay Calm
It's easy to get out of the car and get angry at the other driver, but this will only escalate the situation.
After any car accident, it is important to keep calm. Ask the driver about his well-being and make sure that no one involved is injured or needs emergency medical care.
2- Document the Scene
Immediately check the back of the driver's car and take a photo of the license plate number, as well as the car model, just in case the person got out.
Even if the damage is minor, evaluate and document everything so that you can accurately report the situation.
It is also important to take pictures after a car accident, even if it is a minor accident.
This will give you a record of the actual damage, which you will need in case the other driver tries to claim a different version of the events that occurred.
3- Alert the Police
Police reports can provide valuable information to your insurance company for accident-related claims that are filed.
For minor car accidents without any damage or injuries, skip 911 and use the direct numbers of the local police department.
4- Exchange Information
The police will record the details at the scene of the accident, but it is necessary to do this as well.
No matter how small the car accident is, exchange the following information with the other driver:
- Names of the driver and all passengers
- Driver's license number and driver's status
- Insurance information for drivers of the vehicles in question
- Makes, models and license plate numbers of all vehicles involved
- Contact information for any eyewitnesses
- Date, time and place of the accident
5- Move Your Vehicle
After a minor car accident, your car will probably be able to move.
If the accident happened on a busy street, move your car to help avoid traffic jams and to keep yourself and passengers safe.
6- Turn on Your Hazard Lights
It's a simple step that may get overlooked in confusion after an accident, but turning on your hazard makes it easier for other vehicles to avoid the scene and for the police and ambulance to find you, if necessary.
7- Locate Witnesses
If there were other pedestrians or drivers who witnessed the accident, make sure of their names and contact information.
8- Contact Your Insurer
Contact your insurance agent as soon as possible. They will be able to assist you in filing an auto claim and provide further guidance so you know what to do after the accident.
9- Take Care of Yourself
Even after a minor car accident, adrenaline can mask your pain, or a soft tissue injury may not be immediately noticeable. Visit a doctor.
What should you avoid after a car accident?
1- Don’t Leave the Scene
Even if it's just a minor car accident without damage and no injuries, you should never leave the scene of the accident.
You should always check other participants in the accident, exchange insurance information and report it to law enforcement authorities.
2- Don’t Assume Your Injuries Are Minor
Never assume that they will resolve on their own just because it was a minor collision. You may not feel the full extent of your injuries for days, even weeks, after the accident, but you shouldn't wait to get medical treatment.
3- Don’t Lose Your Cool
The first thing you should do to ask the other driver after the accident is, " Are you okay?"Don't yell at them or make accusations against them. This can make a minor car accident worse.
4- Never Admit Fault
Even if you think that the situation was your fault, you may be mistaken. The police and your insurance company will decide who is to blame. You may be only partially mistaken, or there may be circumstances that you do not know about.