Car accidents are stressful, even when you are not at fault. As a result, motorists must take the right actions immediately following a collision, especially when an accident results from someone else’s negligence.
Accordingly, knowing what to do after an auto accident is crucial to your safety and security. Here are a few important factors to keep in mind should you experience a crash.
If possible, move your vehicle
Moving your vehicle ensures your safety by preventing another collision. You can alert other drivers to the situation by turning on your hazard lights. Traffic cones and warning triangles can also help. If you are not able to move the vehicle, exit it carefully and call for help.
Contact law enforcement
Even if there are no injuries, contacting local law enforcement still offers benefits. For instance, the police can control the flow of traffic around the accident scene if you cannot move your vehicle. Law enforcement will also create a police report, which you can provide to your insurer when reporting the accident.
Speak with other drivers
You will need to exchange information with other drivers involved in the crash. In addition to the name of the driver and their insurance company, you should also take note of the make and model of other vehicles involved, as well as license plate numbers. When speaking with other motorists on the scene, avoid providing too much info, as you may accidentally admit fault.
Finally, contact your insurance agency as soon as possible after the accident. Provide the information you collected from other drivers, as well as the police report. You can also include photographs taken at the scene, which can provide more information on how the accident happened.