A car crash is a nerve-wracking experience. It can also be uncomfortable if you don’t know what steps to take after the collision. To lessen the amount of stress you could have if you ever get into an accident, you should know what you must and mustn’t do if you ever hit a car or another driver hits you.
Call an ambulance and the police if there are injuries
The first step you must take is to ask your passengers if they are feeling well. You must also check the other driver and their passengers for injuries. Call an ambulance if anyone needs medical attention. You also need to call the police if someone has an injury. The police will arrive at the scene of the accident and make a report. You can ask for a copy of this report later on and use it as evidence if you decide to file a legal claim. It is not necessary to call the police if only property damage occurred.
Gather evidence
The driver at fault pays for the other driver’s medical expenses and car repairs. So if another driver hits you, you will have the right to ask their insurer for compensation. Insurers will do anything possible to deny your claim, which is why you must gather evidence if you are able. Take photos and videos of the scene of the accident. Also, gather witnesses and get their information. After you do this, try to take notes of the details of the accident to preserve as much evidence as you can.
Get the driver’s information
Ask the other driver for their name, address, contact number, insurance company name and policy number. Be careful when you talk to them. You must approach them to get their information, but don’t accept fault or talk about the accident when you do this. They could use anything you say against you.
Call your insurer
Call your insurer and tell them what happened. Tell them the truth. If you tell lies, they may deny your claim. If the other driver’s insurer calls you, don’t talk to them or accept any offer. Consider talking to your attorney first.
Go to the hospital
You must get a medical evaluation as soon as possible after the accident. You must do this to take care of yourself and to have proof of the injuries that the accident caused you. You should go to the hospital even if you don’t feel any pain anywhere in your body. Sometimes, victims of car accidents don’t feel pain because of the adrenaline that a crash generates. Some severe injuries may not show symptoms days or weeks after the accident.
Your right as a driver
Your insurance will pay for the other driver’s losses if you were at fault for the accident. If it is the other way around, you will have the right to ask the driver at fault to compensate you for your medical expenses, car repairs, lost wages and your pain and suffering. This is your right under the law, and you can fight for it in court if the other driver’s insurer denies your rightful claim.