Things You Should Do In Case Of A Car Accident

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You always think it’ll never happen to you until it does. Car accidents can be disorienting and stressful. It’s one of those things you want to get out of immediately. Having said those, it’s better to know how to deal with accidents in case it happens to you than to be completely clueless. 

Pull Over To The Safe Side Of The Road

Do not attempt to continue driving even if it seems like your car can still go. Look for the nearest emergency bays or expressway’s shoulder lane where you can safely stop and get out. If you can, don’t forget to put an early warning device for the safety of other motorists as soon as you pull over.

Stop Your Car And Get Out

When a road accident happens, people often panic or become disoriented to act accordingly. But the best way to pull through is by staying calm and keeping your presence of mind. After that, turn your blinkers, get out of the car. If you’re able to move, see if there are other people involved in the crash. If there are, call your areas’ emergency hotline immediately. There are a lot of cases where people suffers from major injuries due to car accidents that weren't attended right away because it seemed minor during the crash.

Call Your Insurance Company Right Away

If you wait to call your insurance company, there's a possibility that you may not get the full amount of claim that was due. So, assuming that neither you nor the other party seem to be injured, you should call your insurance company before you call the police.

This will allow insurance adjusters to see the damage, get statements, and also ensure that the accident wasn't a case of fraud. The more immediate that call is, the better the chances are of a quick reimbursement. Talk to your insurer about what to do next. This also would allow you to find out how to handle a car accident in order to get the most reimbursement possible.

Call The Police

Don’t assume that there will be no need for authorities when an accident happens, no matter how small it may be. Calling the police is necessary because they file the report of the incident for you, which may help you with insurance claims and the car repair expenses reimbursement. Just remember to list the names and badge numbers of the attending officers.

Don’t Leave The Accident Site

Who wants to hang around stressful conditions, right? However, you have to remember to wait for the authorities to clear your departure, because they will need information from you. Otherwise you may have to face serious criminal repercussions, especially if there are injured people involved.

Contact A Lawyer

In case anyone involved in the accident got injured or had major damage in their vehicles, seeking legal advice from a professional is always recommended. This way you’ll have someone represent you and deal with the legal consequences, whether you’re the one at fault or not.

Photograph Possible Evidences In The Scene

Nowadays, testimonies from the people in the accident involved as well as the possible witnesses aren’t enough to stand in court. You’ll be able to make your case stronger if you have solid proofs like pictures and videos. Aside from that, it will be easier for you to claim compensation from your insurance company when you’re armed with evidence rather than just statements.

Exchange Information

You need full names, driver’s license and license plate numbers, contact information (phone number, address, and insurance information) of the other driver or passengers involved. The more information you have, the easier it will be for you to deal with the aftermath of the accident whether or not a legal case and insurance claims happens. Just imagine when you get your car repaired and you have no way to contact the driver who owes it to you. You’d end up shelling out for all the expenses then.

File An Insurance Claim

Once the insurance group has gotten the call and you’ve been sent home, time to file an insurance claim. Now, you’ll be tested if you really can handle a car accident well. After you file a claim, you will have to find a way to navigate your daily life and work as your vehicle gets repaired or replaced. It's worth noting that some car insurance companies will pay extra money for clients to use taxis or rent a car while the claim is filed. You might want to check to see if you have that rider.

Documentation And Pursuing Your Claims The Right Way Is Vital

Accidents happen, but that doesn't mean you need to shoulder all the financial burden yourself. That's why you need to learn how to handle a car accident; it's about protecting yourself and your bank account. By keeping a level head, documenting everything, and actually following up with people, you'll be able to walk away relatively unscathed.

Driving doesn’t seem like a life-threatening activity because you’re essentially just going from one place to another. But the thing is that, car accidents ranked as the 9th leading cause of death worldwide according to Association for Safe International Road Travel, so you shouldn’t take driving too lightly. This is why keeping a well maintained car, learning how to drive defensively and knowing how to handle a car accident when it happens are crucial once you decide to own and drive a car.