Did you know that there are around 14,000 car accidents per day? Some of the most common causes of car accidents include distracted driving, speeding, driving while under the influence, and severe weather.
To avoid accidents, make sure you are well rested, avoid distractions, and don’t drive in bad weather. While there are steps you can take to prevent car accidents, some collisions are unavoidable.
Are you wondering what you should do after a car wreck? If so, keep reading to learn about the five steps you should take after a vehicle accident.
1. Check for Injuries
The first thing you should do after a car accident is check for injuries. When your adrenaline is flowing, you may be less likely to notice injuries. Take a second to breathe and look over your entire body.
You also should check on passengers in your vehicle and other vehicles involved. If anyone is hurt, call 911 and don’t move them. The 911 operator will instruct you on how to move forward.
2. Move to a Safe Location
Once you finish checking for injuries, the next step is to move to a safe location. If your car is in the middle of the road and drivable, move it to a parking lot or the side of the highway.
Once your car is out of the way, you can sit inside and wait on the police. If you can’t move the vehicle, turn on your emergency flashers. Be careful when opening your car door on a busy highway.
3. Call the Police
After you get in a vehicle wreck, you should call the police to report the accident. The 911 operator will also determine if they need to send an ambulance to check for injuries.
Once the police show up, they will talk to witnesses, take pictures of the scene, and gather information. They will file a police report, which you can use when you submit your insurance claim.
4. Exchange Information
Before you leave the scene of the accident, you should exchange information with the other drivers involved. You should get their name, phone number, address, license plate, and insurance information.
You also can talk to witnesses and get a statement from them. Before you leave, try to document the scene. Take pictures and videos of the vehicles, road, weather conditions, and skid marks.
5. Contact Your Insurance Company
Another step to take after an auto wreck is contacting your insurance company. Some states have laws that require you to report the accident in a certain amount of time.
Your insurance company will help you submit a claim and determine how much money you will receive for repairs. If you feel like you got an unfair amount of money, a car accident lawyer can help.
Take These Steps After a Car Wreck
Car accidents can result in injuries, expensive repairs, and stress. If you are in a car wreck, you should check for injuries, move to a safe location, call the police, exchange information, and contact your insurance company.
Did you find these tips on what to do after an auto accident helpful? If so, check out the blog for more similar articles.
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