This morning I was involved in a car accident. It was during the morning rush hour. Traffic, as you might expect, was heavy. Everyone had somewhere to be and most drivers were in a hurry. The accident happened at a red light and the end result was that the driver behind me was following too close and rear-ended my vehicle. Later in the day I got to thinking about how many similar accidents happen daily around the city and how often drivers may not know what to do next. For that reason I decided to give you this guide detailing what to do after you’ve been involved in a car accident.
Call Emergency Services
The first thing you should do is to determine your condition. Are you hurt? Do you need an ambulance. If you are able, check to see if the other drivers are alright. If someone is physically harmed, call 911 . Otherwise, call your local police to have them come out and make a police report. This will be helpful if you intend to file a claim with the insurance company. A police report will help the insurance company determine what happened and who is at fault.
Call Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance company and let them know about the accident. Even if the other driver is at fault you should still call your insurance company. If you have full coverage on your vehicle your insurance company will usually go ahead and pay to get your car fixed so that you don’t have to wait for the other driver’s insurance company. Afterward, your insurance company will collect from the other company. This will greatly expedite the process of getting you and your vehicle back on the road.
Call A Lawyer
If you are injured or your car has been damaged, you will incur costs. You may incur medical bills. You may miss work due to injuries. You may have repair bills for your vehicle. If you were not at fault the other driver may be responsible for your costs. A good lawyer will help you get what is fair and help you get back on track.
Take Pictures and Document The Scene
Nearly everyone has a cell phone with a camera on it these days. Use it. If it is safe to do so and you are able, take pictures of the scene and the damage to all vehicles involved. Photo document the scene and then be sure to write down exactly what happened from your perspective. These pictures and descriptions will be useful when dealing with the claims adjusters and may become important if you have to go to court.