No one on Planet Earth ever wishes to be in a car accident. It’s frightening, can be serious or even deadly. In the United States, the statistics tell the story: Annually, between 5 and 6 million car accidents occur across the United States. Speeding, distracted driving or operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs are the three main reasons crashes occur. If you find yourself in this situation and wondering what to do after a car accident, don’t panic. The experts are weighing in with solid advice.
Stay at the Scene
Whatever you do, don’t leave the accident scene, although some drivers hightail it out of there. This is one of those essential “what not to do after a car accident” actions. There is a car accident checklist, so to speak. If you take off without first giving your name, motor vehicle registration number, license plate number, insurance details and address to the other driver, you’re breaking the law, and your chances of being caught and prosecuted are high.
Maybe it was a single-car crash you were involved in or one in which the other driver was negligent. Maybe you’re asking yourself now what to do after a car accident not your fault.
Stay at the scene, get to a safe area off the road away from traffic, and exchange information with the other driver.
Check for Injuries
Ensure that you and/or your passengers are okay. If there are injuries, call 911 for medical attention. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, so it’s wise to seek a medical opinion shortly after. Also, turn on your vehicle’s hazard lights to warn oncoming traffic.
Contact the Police
Here is another important step to follow when you’re unsure what to do in a car crash. It’s crucial to call the police and have an officer file a report at the scene for official documentation. Without the police report, the insurance company can act with more freedom to dispute or deny the claim. For example, what if the other driver changes their story? How will fault be established?
Photograph the Scene
Use your smartphone to take photos of your damaged vehicle and the other vehicle. Snap pics of every angle of the car, any skid marks, how the road appeared at the time of the crash, road signage, lighting and the weather conditions involved.
All details, big and small, matter after a car crash when it comes to auto insurance, possibly taking legal action and choosing an auto body shop to make the necessary repairs.
Keeping excellent records and filing the necessary paperwork are to your advantage as you recover and return to your daily lifestyle.
Choose a Certified Auto Body Shop
It’s tough getting around without a vehicle these days, and you must choose an auto body shop such as Ace Tech Collision Center with a fine reputation to ensure quality work and good customer service. Also, verify the business’s national certifications. These can include the I-CAR Gold Class or Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), which indicate a shop can meet industry standards for safety and repair quality.
Ask the shop owner how they repair vehicles and what parts they use. Inquire about the warranty offered; is it national? Does the warranty cover parts and labor?
No Car Accident Is Ever Fun
Now, you have a good idea of what to do in a car crash. Stay calm, be safe, document the scene, and call the police.
