5 Things You MUST Do After A Car Accident...And The One
Thing You CAN'T
Every 5 seconds there’s one police-reported auto crash.
It doesn’t matter how careful you are – there’s
always the chance that it could be you.
If you’re involved in a crash that causes serious
injury, your first priority is getting the medical care you
or others need. If the collision is obstructing traffic,
warn motorists as best (and as safely) as you can (use your
hazards, or emergency flares).
Once you’ve made sure no one is seriously
hurt, here are the 5 things you MUST do:
1. Make sure everyone’s safe. Then call the police.
Even if the accident doesn’t seem serious, it’s
important for you to contact the police to make a report.
Depending on the state, it may be against the law not to,
especially if someone was injured, or if the damage is
over a couple hundred dollars.
If you’re not sure about your state’s laws,
you should call the police and make sure you’re following
the proper protocol before leaving the scene of
the accident.
In some states, you have to report accidents that involve
personal injury or a certain dollar amount of damage to
your DMV. If this is a requirement in your state, you have
a certain amount of time to make your report. If you don’t
do this, you could lose your license.
2. Record all the details.
Getting the details down at the scene is crucial. Remember
to keep a pen and pad of paper in your glove compartment
for such emergencies.
Things to record:
- All the names and phone and license numbers of the
people involved. This includes passengers and drivers
of all vehicles, as well as witnesses. DON’T let
witnesses leave without getting their contact info; if
there is a disagreement over the cause of the accident,
you’ll need to call on them.
- The exact time, location of the accident and the date
- Visibility, plus road and weather conditions
- Each car’s make, model and year, plus license
plate numbers
- The insurance information of all drivers involved
- The injuries and damages
- Your account of the accident, including a diagram
3. Contact your insurance agent.
Your insurance policy may require you to notify the company
of an accident – and sometimes you only have a short
amount of time to do it in. Failing to report the accident
could mean your company will refuse to pay for the damages.
Provide them with your account and gathered information,
and find out if any additional documentation will be needed.
4. Keep good records.
As you talk to the police, the insurance company, lawyers,
etc., make sure you keep careful notes. Get names (plus
badge number if you’re speaking to a police officer),
time and what was discussed, especially if there are decisions
made.
If there are any complications later these records will
help support your case.
You should also hang onto all paperwork. For insurance
purposes, save all the receipts that result from your accident.
That includes towing costs, storage charges and a rental
car if your insurance covers it.
5. Talk to or visit your doctor if you’re hurt.
If you feel you’ve been injured in an auto accident,
it’s important to seek treatment right away, especially
if there is a possibility you will file a claim against
the other driver.
The one thing NOT to do after an accident:
DON’T admit or accept blame, even if you think you
caused the accident. You need to cooperate with the police,
but be careful to state the facts without admitting guilt.
Whatever you say in front of the police, witnesses or other
drivers could be held against you down the road.
NEVER admit blame, sign any paperwork or tell someone
you will pay for their damages until AFTER you have spoken
to your insurance agent or lawyer. |
