The aftermath of a car accident is a time of stress and confusion. It can be very tough to think clearly and ensure that you are doing everything correctly. Here are four things that you should try to do as soon as the accident has occurred.
Move To a Safer Area
If the crash has happened somewhere like a parking lot and you are out of the way of other drivers, then you can likely stay put while you sort things out. However, if the accident has happened on a busy road or anywhere else where your cars may be impeding traffic or you may be in harm’s way, move to a safer area as long as both cars are drivable.
Exchange Insurance Information
This is another obvious thing that many people are too shaken up to remember to do as soon as the accident has happened. No matter who is at fault, it is important to exchange insurance information so that your insurance companies can work together in the background to sort everything out. If the cause or at-fault driver is not cut-and-dry, you may need to consider hiring a car accident lawyer to help you get what you are owed. This is especially important if you sense that the other driver may be dishonest in their claim.
Stay Calm
This is much easier said than done, particularly if you are not at fault for the accident. It can be tough not to fly off the handle and start blaming the person who has caused the accident, but try as hard as you can to stay calm. Keeping a cool head will help you document the accident more accurately, and it will also allow you to better assess any damage to your car—or worse—any injury to yourself. Try not to let adrenaline take control and paint an inaccurate picture of the happenings surrounding the crash.
Consider Involving the Police
Not every fender bender warrants a call to the police, but if there are any injuries—even minor ones—it is a good idea to get a police report written up that documents the accident. Likewise, if there are no notable injuries but you worry that the other driver may be dishonest, involving the police is a good idea as well.
Car accidents are never convenient. Use these four simple tips and you’ll have the most simple, stress-free experience possible.
