Car accidents are an unfortunate part of live for many drivers. From novice drivers to experienced drivers, no one is completely immune to getting into an accident.
Fortunately, there are guidelines for drivers to follow if they happen to get into an accident. Here are 5 steps to take after a car accident:
STOP!
The first thing you should do after an accident is to stop your vehicle. This is a legal obligation that every driver must make after a collision.
Call Authorities
Even if the accident is minor, it is important to call the authorities. It is important to make sure there is a legal accident report and/or a police report detailing the accident. This is useful for insurance purposes and if further legal action needs to be taken.
Assess the Damage & Document Info
Assess the damage of yourself, your passengers and your vehicle. Do not move the vehicles unless it is causing a major problem with traffic. Otherwise, wait for assistance to show up and give instructions or move the vehicles for you.
Document the damage. This could be in the form of taking notes, getting basic info of the other party, and most importantly take pictures. It is always important to have more information rather than less.
Limit Conversation with Other Party
It is wise to limit your conversation with the opposite party (if others are involved.) Only speak to the police, medical professionals and your insurance representative regarding the accident.
File a Claim
Finally, decide whether or not to file a claim. It’s never a good idea to offer to pay cash for the other party’s damage if it is your fault. This could result in you paying potentially thousands of dollars for damage that otherwise looked minor but wasn’t.
If the accident isn’t your fault, then the other driver’s insurance should cover your damage.
Conclusion
In the end, it is paramount to drive safely.
Accidents do happen, but Payne Collision is here to help! For more information, please visit Payne Collision here!
