6 Steps to Take after You Get Into a Vehicular Accident
No matter how carefully you drive, you can still get into a vehicular accident. Sometimes the mistakes or carelessness of other drivers on the road can cause an accident, other times, your own mistakes can prove fatal. Either way, even being in a minor accident can be a nerve-wracking experience. Therefore, it is crucial to stay calm and take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of the people and your vehicle.
Every year millions of major and minor vehicular accidents occur in the US. Some of these accidents prove to be fatal and result in thousands of deaths each year. A vehicular accident can happen anywhere, anytime. If you get involved in one, the first thing to do is to check for injuries. After making sure that no one is seriously injured, you can check for vehicular damages. A vehicle can sustain mild to severe damage based on the type and intensity of the accident.
Most minor vehicular damages or dents can be fixed easily. However, the more serious the damage, the more difficult it will be to fix it. If you get into a car accident around the Phoenix metro area, consider going to the dent man. They have a quick and easy process to fix your car. You can also visit their website https://dentmanaz.com/ to book a consultation or learn about pricing and other details.
In this article, we are going to discuss some steps to take after you get into an unfortunate vehicular accident.
1. Check yourself and Your Passengers for Injuries
Your first priority after experiencing a vehicular accident should be to check for injuries. A minor vehicular accident can result in bruises, lacerations, tissue damage, or fractures, while serious accidents can lead to spine/brain damage or even death. Ensure your safety and check up on other people in the car.
Sometimes, internal injuries can also occur that are difficult to detect on the spot but can be deadly. Therefore, getting yourself medically assessed after an accident is crucial to ensure you are alright.
If you or anyone involved in the accident is mildly or severely injured, Call 911 right away. If you are unable to do so, ask other people at the scene for help. After ensuring the safety of everyone, safely exit the vehicle.
2. Check your Vehicle for Damages and Move it Away from the Road
The next step is to move your car to the side of the road to avoid any hindrance in traffic, provided that you are not injured and can easily move your car away. If you get into an accident at night, turn your hazard lights on so the oncoming cars can see you. However, if it is not safe to do so, do not move your vehicle.
After moving to a safe space, check your vehicle and any other vehicle involved in the accident for damages. Document the damage by taking videos and photos of even minor dents on your vehicle.
3. Exchange Information with the Other Driver
There are different types of accidents, and you may not always get into an accident due to another vehicle. However, if you collide with another vehicle, it is essential to get the details of the driver and the car. Moreover, document the damage sustained by the other vehicle as well.
The crucial information that you must get from the other driver includes;
- Their name, contact number, and address
- Their driver’s license
- Their insurance information
- Their license plate number
It is necessary to collect this information even in a minor accident because it can be helpful later on if any accident-related claims are filed against you.
4. Call your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company. Consult them to determine what type of car insurance coverage is available in your situation. Provide them with the details of the accident to help them build a claim for you. Moreover, your insurance company may send an insurance adjuster to assess the scene for you.
Calling your insurance company is a crucial step that you should never ignore because vehicular accidents often have effects that are not obvious immediately. You may end up having health issues later, or the other driver may file a lawsuit against you. In any case, your insurance company will only provide coverage if you report the accident immediately, or they can deny coverage.
5. Contact the Police
Calling the police to file a report of the accident is an essential step you should take after getting into a vehicular accident. In some states of the US, reporting an accident, even a minor one is a legal requirement.
A police report can be beneficial when filing an insurance claim. For serious accidents, police reach the scene and document the accident. However, you should go to the nearest police station and file a report in case of a minor accident.
6. Consult an Attorney
Even minor accidents can have unforeseen repercussions. Therefore, it is crucial to take help to ensure that you are protected. After contacting your insurance company and police, take the services of a qualified vehicular accident attorney.
An attorney can also help you get an adequate amount of insurance payout from your insurance company. Moreover, if the other party files a lawsuit against you, your attorney can build a winning case for you.
Most car accident lawyers provide free consultations. You can evaluate your case through a free consultation. Other factors that can help you choose an attorney include;
- Experience in handling vehicular accident cases.
- Credentials
- Cooperative personality
- A will to fight for their client
The Wrap Up
Vehicular accidents are a leading cause of death and injuries in the US. A vehicular accident can result from your own fault or the carelessness of others. Either way, it can be an unpleasant experience. However, you should stay calm and take appropriate measures after a vehicular accident to avoid legal and health-related troubles.
First of all, you should check for injuries. After ensuring the safety of all passengers, move the car away from the road or turn on hazard lights to ensure the smooth flow of traffic. Contact your insurance company, police, and a car accident attorney. If you get involved in a vehicular accident with another vehicle, exchange information with the driver for future correspondence. If you follow all the steps discussed in this article, hopefully, you’ll be protected from any repercussions of a vehicular accident.