What to do after a collision? Getting into an automobile collision can cause even the most experienced drivers to become flustered. Many thoughts flood your brain, one of which is what to do. Whether in a minor or major collision, following these steps will ensure everyone’s safety and protection.
Check on the Well-Being of Everyone
If seriously injured, call 911, or attempt to have someone else do so for you. It is also important that you do not move, and wait for help to arrive. However, if you are not severely injured, check the other passengers in your car. If you find anyone injured, call for emergency services. Finally, check on others who are involved in the crash, and if necessary, call emergency services. After your crash, see a doctor to ensure you did not suffer any major injuries, even if you do not believe you did.
Get to Safety
If you or your vehicle is not in a safe location, attempt to move it to the side of the road or to a sidewalk. If you are unable to move it to a safe location, leave it where it is and get yourself and others to safety. Regardless of the position of the vehicle, warn oncoming traffic about the accident using lights, reflectors, or a flashlight.
Wait for Help
After you have done everything to ensure that you and others involved are safe, call for help if you have not already. Turn off your car engine and wait for the proper authorities to arrive. It is important that you remain at the accident scene until police arrive so they can get an accurate accident report and document the scene.
Exchange Information
While waiting for the proper authorities to arrive, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver involved in the accident. The necessary information is their full name and contact information, insurance company and policy number, driver’s license, plate number, make, color, and model of their vehicle, and the location of the accident. Do not admit fault, as your adjuster reviewing your insurance claim will determine who is at fault based on the vehicle damage and information you provided.
Identify Useful Information
To protect yourself, you should document the environment around you. Identify the officers that are present by getting their name and badge numbers, and obtain a copy of the accident report, as your insurer may ask for this when filing a claim. Take pictures of your vehicle from different angles, the damage to both cars, and possibly license plates. Getting footage of damage that the accident may have caused to the road or other public utilities is helpful as well. Finally, find out if there was any damage to the vehicles prior to the collision, such as brakes or lights that were not functioning beforehand.
Notify Insurance Company
While at the scene, it is appropriate to call your insurance provider. In doing so, you will better understand what they need from you to process your claim. Follow the agent’s instructions so they can give you accurate information. While on the call, they will also arrange the towing of your vehicle to a body shop if damaged.
By following these steps, you are in a much better position to guarantee the safety of yourself and those around you. It is important that throughout these steps you remain calm, thus allowing you to describe and understand what is happening around you more accurately. If your vehicle is severely damaged and in need of repair, or if you have any questions regarding car collisions, contact M&G Body Shop today!
Recent Comments