In a Car Accident? Helpful Tips On What To Do Next

You can work to avoid and brace for automobile wrecks, but their suddenness may leave you shocked and stressed. While you try to wrap your head around what just occurred, it's quite easy to forget crucial actions that may help you in your physical and financial recovery.

Try to generally be SAFE both physically and by following our acronym.

S – Safety first
A – Alert authorities
F – Fact collection
E – Exchange information

Safety first

The No. 1 priority is the safety of yourself and others after an accident. As soon as possible after an accident, be sure to make safety your utmost priority:

• Turn on your hazard lights.
• If your car is parked, pull over to a safe distance. If not, stay in your seat with your seat belt fastened.
• Depend on others to help people who are impaired.
• Don't move an injured person. This movement may cause additional damage and should be avoided unless the person's safety is at risk.

Alert authorities

Even if it's only a minor collision, it is always useful (and and in some cases, required by law) to call the authorities no matter how small the damage is.

• Call 911 or the local police station.
• Do not be concerned about saying "I'm sorry" when you're speaking to the police. Although you may feel guilty, don't admit fault even when talking to the authorities. You may later find out that the other driver was to blame or that you share the blame.
• Even when you don't show obvious injuries, it is highly recommended to go to the hospital or call your doctor if you get out of the area.
• Even if the police miss the scene, be sure to file an incident report with the authorities. The magnitude of the crash and your state's regulations with respect to filing a report can influence whether police will dispatch to the scene. Filing a report can expedite the insurance claims process.

Fact collection

After an accident, you may feel a thrill of sensations. Stay calm, and then document the accident as it happened.

• Take photos of your car, other involved cars, and the area surrounding them.
• Record what happened before, during and after the incident, including any details about the location and weather, road conditions, and traffic control.
• Write down the names of the officials and witnesses who are at the scene.

Exchange information

Swapping information is necessary in any type of legal or claims procedure stemming from a collision. Carry out exchange to make certain that.

• Names
• Addresses
• Phone numbers
• License plate numbers
• Driver’s license numbers
• Insurance providers
• Policy numbers

What to do once you arrive home

Unfortunately, even after the safe exit from the accident, there are still a few items to take care of, such as filing a claim. You will need to file a claim as soon as possible. The sooner you file your claim, the sooner your insurance provider can start working on the item and the sooner you can get your life back together.