Your nerves are likely to be rattled when you are involved in a car accident. This can make it difficult to remember what you should or shouldn’t do after the accident. Because of this, it is best to take a few minutes to refresh your mind about what you should do if you are in an accident so that you can draw on the game plan you have formulated.
First, check for injuries. This includes checking yourself and others. If there are any injuries at all, you should remain on the scene of the accident. You should report the accident to the appropriate authorities so that you can get the police and an ambulance to the scene.
If you aren’t injured, you should gather as much evidence as you can at the scene. Take pictures, exchange information with the other driver, make notes about what happened while the information is still fresh in your mind.
You need to let your insurance company know about the accident. This is very important because failing to do so could invalidate your claim.
One important tip for you to remember as you handle the things that are associated with the accident is that you have to avoid admitting guilt. Don’t say that you are sorry for the accident or make any statement that might be thought of as an admission of guilt.
Once you have the medical care you need, you can take steps to seek compensation from the driver who was at fault for the accident. This can help you to get the costs of the accident, such as medical bills and lost wages, covered.
Source: FindLaw, “After a Car Accident: First Steps,” accessed Dec. 16, 2016
