Getting into a car accident can be a terrific experience. If you encounter a car collision, you get confused and uncertain about what to do next. But you should understand that your immediate actions following a vehicle collision are significantly important.
Here we will discuss 4 things you must do right after a car accident. Also, we will elaborate on how these steps can help you move forward smoothly. Read on to find more!
Ensure Safety and Check for Injuries
Your top priority should be to ensure the safety of everyone involved after an accident. You should come to your senses as early as possible to prevent further harm. If your car is drivable and it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle out of traffic to avoid the occurrence of additional accidents.
Once you’re in a safer place, assess the physical injuries to your body. You can start with yourself, yet you should also move to the passengers in your vehicle. If everyone in your car is okay, proceed to check the passengers of other vehicles involved in the collision.
If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately to request medical assistance. Don’t move an injured person by yourself unless necessary.
Contact the Authorities Immediately
Even if the accident seems minor, you should call the police to document the incident. It may require an official report by your insurance company. Providing police with this report also protects you from any potential false claims that could arise later.
A police report provides an unbiased account of the accident. It includes important details like the time, date, location, and witness testimonies. Documentation is essential in the case of disputes.
Gather Information to File a Claim
Once you’ve ensured everyone’s safety and the authorities are on their way, you can move to gather as much information as possible.
Documenting this information will help you in filing your insurance claim. Also, this information can help your diminished value appraisal services file a winning claim if the insurance company does not pay you for the reduced car value after the accident.
You need to exchange the following details with the other driver involved:
- Full name and contact information
- Insurance company name and policy number
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Vehicle make, model, and color
You should also get the contact information of any witness who saw the accident. Also, don’t forget to take clear, detailed photos of the accident.
Notify Your Insurance Company Instantly
After leaving the scene, you should notify your insurance company about the accident. The sooner you begin this process, the sooner you can get your claim accepted. When you contact your insurance company, provide them with all the information you gathered.
Stick to the facts and avoid making assumptions about who was at fault. Your insurance company will investigate and determine how to proceed based on the evidence.
Even after repairs, a crashed vehicle is worth less than one that hasn’t. This is known as “diminished value.” To avoid this hassle, you can partner with diminished value appraisal services. These services assess a decrease in your vehicle’s value after the collision and file a claim for diminished value as well.