The moments immediately after a car crash are some of the most frightening.
Your first concern is to check on the well-being of your passengers. Is everyone okay? Then you want to take inventory of what happened. Who caused the accident? Why did the accident occur? How bad is the damage?
Among all the questions swirling through your mind after a crash, one floats to the surface as being the most important: What should you do after a car accident to keep your family, property, and your wallet safe?
The steps you take in the minutes following a collision are vital.
What To Do After a Car Accident
If you’ve ever been on the scene of a car accident, you know how chaotic it can feel. The police are investigating the crash, asking you questions, and putting together their report. You are exchanging information with the other driver and the witnesses.
Amidst all the chaos, you just want a little direction and clarity. Here are the five steps to take after a car accident to keep you and your family well-protected.
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Stay Calm.
No doubt, a car accident is one of the most stressful situations you’ll ever find yourself in. Do your best to take a few deep breaths and stay calm in the immediate aftermath.
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Call 911.
Even if there are no injuries, it’s helpful to have a police report. In fact, some states require a police report for your insurance claim. Getting this third-party account for what happened will help shed clarity on the accident and get your claim paid faster.
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Limit Your Discussion.
What you say can and probably will be used against you at the scene of a crash. If you’re not sure about something, don’t say it. In fact, limit how much you discuss the details of the crash with anyone on the scene. Instead, only talk to the police and to your insurance company.
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Collect Contact Information.
Although you don’t want to discuss the details of the crash, it is important to talk to the other driver and collect contact information. Get the name, address, phone number, and insurance company from the other driver. You will also want to gather evidence, such as witness contact information and pictures from the scene of the crash.
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Call Your Insurance Agent.
Regardless of whether the accident was your fault or not, or if you are still waiting on facts, it’s important to contact your insurance company and let them know what happened. The sooner you can get your insurance agent working on your claim, the better.
You’re Not Alone
We understand how scary it is when you’re involved in a car accident. It’s important to remember throughout your experience that you’re not alone.
You have insurance for a reason. We’re here to help you navigate the process of filing a claim. Call us as soon as possible after your car accident to get started.
