What to Do When in a Car Accident on the Road
Have you been in a car accident while on the road? Don’t fret. Here are the steps you should take just following an incident.
Keyword(s): a car accident
The average person gets into about four car accidents within their lifetime.
These accidents may be minor fender-benders that leave your car with little more than a scratch, or they may be far more serious — and require you to receive emergency medical treatment.
Though no one enjoys thinking about what might happen if they get into a car accident, knowing what to do on the scene and afterward will give you peace of mind.
Plus, a strong understanding of what to do when you get in a car accident will help to save you money, strengthen any case that goes to court, keep you physically safe, and help you understand the kind of information you should collect on the scene.
In this post, we’ll fill you in on the most important steps to take after a car accident
Additionally, we’ll let you know why car insurance is something you absolutely need to have, and where you can go to find the best possible policy.
What to Do on the Scene
When you’ve been in a car accident, the most important thing for you to do is, if you’re able to, get out of the car and street or drive the car off the road.
Then, immediately call 911. If you’re seriously injured, you should immediately call an ambulance or go get medical treatment.
But if you are able to move safely, there are several things you need to do as quickly as possible.
First, take a picture of or write down the other driver’s license plate numbers and car make and model. Then, take pictures of your car, the other driver’s car, and photograph any of your injuries. Take notes about what happened on your phone as you wait for the police to arrive.
It’s essential that you do not accept any kind of blame for the accident from the other driver. If you feel like you or the other driver has the potential to get aggressive, do not communicate with them. Instead, take notes and photographs and wait for law enforcement.
When they get to the scene, take down their badge numbers and ensure they collect witness statements and the contact information of these witnesses. You should also have the other driver’s contact information. Before you leave the scene, ensure you request a copy of your accident report.
Even if you can’t see or feel any major injuries, we strongly suggest that you go get yourself checked out at the emergency room or an urgent care center. Additionally, closely monitor your health in the weeks following the accident, as many car accident injuries can take days or even weeks to appear.
What to Do After a Car Accident
Now, let’s talk about the steps you need to take once you’re away from the scene of a car accident and after you’ve received any necessary medical care.
First, make sure you keep copies of any and all medical receipts, as well as receipts from any other care or repairs resulting from the accident.
Next, call your health insurance company and explain what happened. Remember that the insurance company responds to claims in the order in which they receive them, not according to the severity of the accident or injuries. The sooner you make that call and “get in line,” the better.
Additionally, get in touch with your car insurance company and/or the other driver’s car insurance provider and begin the claims process. Remember that often, the other driver’s insurance company will try to insist that the accident was your fault, or offer you much less compensation than you deserve. You do not have to — nor should you — accept any compensation amount you know is far less than what you deserve.
If you suspect the other driver will try to blame you, or if you would just feel better having someone on your side, you may also want to reach out to a lawyer. This is especially important if you feel like your health insurance provider isn’t giving you the proper coverage.
Why You Need Car Insurance
First, driving without any kind of auto insurance is illegal in 49 states, which means that if you get into an accident without insurance, you’ll immediately face hefty fines and may even risk having your license suspended.
If you don’t have insurance and a car accident was your fault, you’ll be in even more trouble. The other driver could sue you, meaning that you’re likely to be found liable for all the costs involved in the accident. This means you’ll have to pay their medical bills, cover the cost of property/auto damage, and even more out of your own pocket.
And if you can’t pay it on your own?
Your assets could be seized to cover these costs.
Don’t forget you still have to come up with the money to pay for your own medical care, car repairs, and any court fees and fines for driving without insurance.
Add all this up, and it’s obvious that getting car insurance is the smarter, safer, and more affordable option.
Shockingly, however, roughly one in eight drivers on the road nationwide don’t have car insurance. If you’re among them, now is absolutely the time to get coverage.
Ready to Get Car Insurance or Review Your Current Policy?
At Bassler & Co., we take the time to meet with you personally to discuss your policy needs, and we constantly reassess whether the policy you currently have still meets your needs and lifestyle.
We also study recent changes in the insurance industry, so you can be the first to take advantage of a stronger or more appropriate policy when given the chance.
With access to more than 15 different carriers, we have the resources to help you find the perfect policy.
Whether you need auto insurance, home or renters insurance, umbrella insurance, and more, reach out to us today to get a free quote.