Thousands of car accidents happen every day. Even if we’re careful, it can still happen to us. The good news is that most of these collisions will only result in minor damage. It will be easier for you to recover, physically and financially, if you know how to go about it. Below are some of the things to keep in mind if you are ever involved in a car accident:
Check the Safety of Everyone Concerned
You need to stay calm. A lot of people panic and speed away from the scene. This can get you in trouble with the law. You are obliged to stop and check on the safety of those involved in the collision. Be sure to park at the side of the road if possible so you will not block the flow of traffic. See if the other car has any injured occupants or if they need any help. Extend as much assistance as you can. Call emergency medical services if necessary so that those who need to be brought to the hospital can get the care they require. This act can save lives.
Exchange Pertinent Details with the Other Party
If you can establish communication with the other party, then exchange relevant information with them right away. Get their name, address, number, insurance info, vehicle plate number, car model, and so on. Give them yours as well. Every driver is required by law to carry liability insurance so both of you should be covered by this. Let the insurance companies worry about the cost of repairs and medical care. No one needs to clash over the matter and escalate an already stressful situation. Remember that there is a system in place to handle this.
Call the Police and File a Report
In some cases, you are obliged to call the police and file a report of the incident. There is usually a threshold in terms of the monetary amount of the damage. Every state has its own way of dealing with the situation so be familiar with your local laws. Call their hotline so that they can extend help as well. They will talk to you for a brief interview regarding the incident so just answer their questions as best you can. File your personal report with the deadline, typically a few days after the collision.
Get Evidence and Witnesses
The insurance company will probably want to get evidence of the incident and some proof that you were not the cause of the crash. They will also be interested in the gravity of the property damage. Gather evidence on the site if you can. For example, you can take pictures of the point of collision to emphasize the angle of impact and the extent of the damage. It would also be smart if you could go to the hospital for checkup immediately. Even if you don’t see any blood, scans may reveal internal bleeding and fractures. Having proof of this will help you get insurance payouts.
Call a Car Accident Attorney
Lastly, you may want to call a car accident attorney to help you get compensation – we recommend this best car accident attorney Atlanta. If the insurance company tries to make a lowball offer or refuses to cover the damages, then a lawyer can help in forcing them to honor their commitment.
