If you’ve never been in a car accident, feeling overwhelmed and terrified is common. You may not know what to do or how to act. But by following these tips, you can make the process simpler and easier for yourself.
Stay Calm
After an accident, it’s normal to feel shaken up. Your adrenaline is flowing, and you may be in shock. However, it’s important to try to stay calm. Suppose you can check to see if you or anyone else is injured. Once you’ve determined that everyone is safe, you can start to assess the damage. If your car is still drivable, move it to the side of the road. If it’s not, turn on your hazard lights and wait for help.
Exchange Information With the Other Driver
Once you’ve moved to a safe location, it’s time to exchange personal information with the other driver. It’s also a good idea to take pictures of the damage to both cars. This comes in handy when filing car accident claims with insurance companies.
Contact Your Insurance Company
The next step is contacting your insurance company and informing them about the accident. They will likely ask you for a detailed account of what happened and any information you collected from the other driver. If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance company will also cover the cost of repairing or replacing your car. However, if you only have liability coverage, you will be responsible for paying for repairs yourself.
Get a Police Report
In some states, it’s required by law to get a police report after an accident. Getting one is still a good idea, even if it’s not required in your state. A police report can help settle any disputes that may arise later. For example, if the other driver claims you were at fault for the accident, the police report can provide evidence to support your version of events.
Follow Up With Your Doctor
Even if you don’t seem injured after an accident, it’s always a good idea to follow up with your doctor to be sure. Often, injuries from car accidents don’t manifest immediately. So, if you start feeling pain or stiffness a few days later, schedule an appointment with your doctor immediately.
Dealing with a car accident can be stressful and confusing. But following these tips can make the process simpler and less daunting. Stay calm, exchange information with the other driver, contact your insurance company, and get a police report if possible. And if you start feeling pain or stiffness, later, follow up with your doctor right away.
Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. Meghan finds happiness in researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure. You can connect with her on Facebook right here and Twitter right here.
