Take Notes! The 5 Most Important Things to do if You are in a Car Accident
Even good drivers sometimes get into accidents, be they low-speed parking lot collisions or high-stakes highway crashes. The moments immediately after an accident can be hectic, frightening and fast. According, there are critical steps everyone should take following a collision. These will promote safety for those involved, protect legal rights, and assist doctors and lawyers who are called upon to assist.
Whatever the circumstances, if you are in a collision, try to do the following:
1. Make sure everyone is okay and safe.
That includes you, the people in your car and the people in the other car(s). If you can, get your car out of traffic and onto the side of the road – completely out of traffic. If your car cannot be moved, turn on the hazard lights. Then, if possible, check for traffic and exit safely. If someone is injured and there is no danger of a vehicle fire or being struck by another car, it is usually best for that person to remain seated in the vehicle.
2. Call the police/emergency services.
Always call the authorities. Even if no one is hurt or the accident is minor, you should call the police to the scene. They can help direct traffic, coordinate stories of what happened, and provide an official documented report of the collision and scene. They will also identify and interview witnesses. This may prove beneficial when you are working though the details of the accident with your insurer, lawyer or the other person’s insurer. If it’s a bad accident and one party was negligent or at serious fault, the police can also investigate and help determine where the problem was an issue citations if necessary, like for speeding or texting while driving.
Make sure you know the rules of the state you’re in, too — in some states, it’s illegal not to call the police after an accident. States like Massachusetts and New Hampshire require it if the damage is greater than $1,000 or if someone is hurt.
When dialing 9-1-1, make certain to let them know if someone is injured and in need of medical attention. They can always refused to be transported by ambulance later. But, get them to the scene so that they are there if necessary.
3. Document the scene.
Almost everyone has a cell phone. After a crash, use it to take notes, take pictures, jot down things you may not remember later. The photos, especially of the damage to both cars, skid marks, and debris in the roadway, may help determine who was at fault for the collision and the extent of the damage and injuries. It’s important to do this before the scene changes, such as after a tow truck moves the vehicles. If you or a loved one has to be taken from the scene in an ambulance, request these documents from the police, who will document the scene in their investigation.
4. Exchange information.
Note the other person’s name, phone number, insurance information, and license plate number. Insurance company Allstate recommends noting the location of the accident and the make, model and color of the other person’s car as well. Get similar information from anyone who claims to have witnessed the collision. This will help to eliminate a “he said versus he said” situation after insurance companies get involved.
5. Determine whether and how to file a claim.
Was the accident your fault? If not, what kind of coverage does the other driver or his or her employer have? Would it be better to file a claim with your insurance to get service faster, or can you wait? These are all insurance questions that come up quickly after an accident, especially when someone is injured.
Filing an insurance claim can be worthwhile, even if the damage seems somewhat minor, according to financial website Nerdwallet. Repair costs can surprise you and your wallet — even fender benders at low speed can be costly. A 2014 study from the Insurance Institute from Highway Safety found that even low-speed bumper crashes in cars like the Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Prius and Volkswagen Rabbit cost at least $4,000 to repair.
Your insurance policy may include medical coverage and different types of liability coverage. Reviewing your policy will help you determine what the best course of action is and how to file a claim either with your insurance or the other person’s insurance. If you live in a no-fault state, it’s important to note the type of coverage you have, as your policy will be obligated to pay for it.
Regardless of who is at fault, you should at least put your insurance company on notice of the crash. That way, if you do need them to address particular issues, they will already have an opened file.
