WHAT TO DO AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT?

 

How to Handle an Accident

Being in a car accident can be stressful and it can also be hard to know what to do it such a chaotic situation. If you driving is part of your daily routine, there is a high probability that you will be involved in mishap on the road at some point in your life. 

Heres a list of steps to take if you ever find yourself in an accident.

What Do I Do After an Accident?

1. Safety First

  • If the car accident is minor, move vehicles out of traffic to a safe place.
  • Shift into park, turn off your vehicle, and turn on the hazard lights.
  • If you’re not severely injured, check on other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians to make sure they’re OK too. Don’t move anyone who’s been hurt, unless they are in immediate danger. 
  • Use cones, warning triangles, or flares for added safety, if you have them.
     

2. Get Help

  • Check for injuries; call an ambulance when in doubt.
  • Call the police, even if the accident is minor. A police report can be invaluable to the claim process and help establish who's at fault.
     

3. Collect Information

  • Gather information from others involved in the accident.
    • Drivers and passengers: names and contact information
    • Vehicle descriptions (make, model, year)
    • Driver's license numbers
    • License plate numbers
    • Insurance companies and policy numbers
    • Eyewitnesses: names and contact information
    • Accident scene location and/or address
    • Police officer's name and badge number.
  • Take photos of all vehicles involved and the accident scene, if it is safe to do so.
  • Do not sign any document unless it's for the police or your insurance agent.
  • Be polite, but don't tell anyone the accident was your fault, even if you think it was.
     

4. File a Claim

  • If you have car insurance, call your insurer as soon as possible.  They can sometimes help you get your car towed if required.
  • You can start the claim process immediately at the scene and add details when things are calmer.

  • Your insurer will need:
    The names, contact details and licence number of the owners and drivers of the other cars,
    The detail of your and the other cars (registration number, colour, make and model),
    The other drivers’ insurance details,
    A summary of the accident.

 

 
Tec Lay