A car accident is one of the most traumatic things we can experience. This trauma can vary greatly depending on the severity of the accident and the injuries involved. Regardless, a key component to making it through this horrifying experience is knowing what to do immediately after the accident.
The following checklist will help you keep your cool and get through it with minimal stress.
Your Car Accident Checklist
Taking the right steps after an accident can greatly improve your ability to move on and make sure things like hospital bills, mechanic fees, and other costs are taken care of. Start by reading through this step by step car accident checklist.
1. Stay Calm
No matter what happened or whose fault it was, you must maintain your composure after an accident. Don’t allow yourself to become hysterical or lose your temper with the other driver. You need a clear mind to proceed with the next, very important, steps.
2. Make Sure Everyone’s Okay and Safe
First, you need to make sure no one is in immediate danger. People left in a car that’s on fire or in the middle of a busy road could become seriously injured or even die. Do what you can to make sure everyone is safe.
Additionally, assess everyone’s condition. You’ll be calling 911 next, and they’ll need to know how urgent the situation is.
3. Call 911
Now, call 911 to report the accident. Be sure to lead with time-sensitive information such as serious injuries and the immediate necessity for emergency medical care. This is one of the most important, potentially life-saving steps on our car accident checklist.
Once again, try to remain calm so the operator can understand you. You’ll also need to be able to tell them your location and various other details.
4. Get the Other Driver’s Information
Once all of the immediate and urgent issues are handled, you need to exchange information with the other driver, assuming they’re in a condition to do so. Get their name and phone number as well as their vehicle information (make, model, license plate number, color).
Additionally, you’ll need their insurance company name and phone number. You’ll also need their insurance policy number and its expiration date.
5. Record Evidence of the Accident
Next, it’s a good idea to get as much evidence of the accident as you can. You’ll need this for your records, your insurance company, the police, and possibly an attorney.
Take multiple pictures of both vehicles at all angles. Also, take pictures of the scene of the accident including things like tire marks, damaged signs, etc.
6. Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Once the dust has settled, you need to report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Work with your insurance agent and send them the pictures you took. They should also have access to the police report.
Let them know of any injuries and/or evaluation results if you’ve already been to the doctor. If not, make an appointment.
7. Visit a Doctor
Last on our car accident checklist, you must make an appointment to get examined by a doctor, even if you don’t immediately feel any injuries. The sensation of injuries may be delayed due to adrenaline or the type of injury. It’s not uncommon for people to go days or even weeks before noticing symptoms.
What About Your Car?
When all is said and done, your safety and health are the most important concerns on your car accident checklist. However, once that’s all taken care of, what about your car?
If you need help getting your car looking good again, we can help. Contact us today to learn what we can do for you.