Anyone who has been involved in a car accident before knows just how shaken you can feel after, even in a low-speed bump with another car. This means that it is easy to forget what steps you should take, but this is knowledge that every motorist should have so that the right course of action can be followed. These are the main steps to take if you ever find yourself in this situation.
Ensure Safety & Comply with Legal Requirements
Obviously, safety must be your first priority. Immediately after the accident, stop the vehicle safely (a legal requirement), switch off the engine, and turn on the hazard lights. You should then check for serious injuries among all parties – if there are injuries and/or the road is obstructed, call emergency services ASAP.
Remain calm and avoid admission of fault at the scene – this is crucial as admitting liability could complicate matters down the line if you make a claim. Even if you think the accident was your fault, you should not state this at the scene as you can never really be sure at this stage.
Exchange Information & Document the Scene
Once you have ensured everyone’s safety, you need to exchange details with the other driver(s) involved – this involves sharing your name, address, and insurance information.
In addition to this, you should document the scene as best you can. This can involve getting contact details of any witnesses, taking photos/videos or the accident site, damage, and injuries, and obtaining any CCTV or dash cam footage. These records are important for insurance claims and potential legal proceedings if you decide to make a claim.
Notify Your Insurance Provider & Understand Compensation Claims
Be sure to notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible, providing all of the collected information, even if you do not plan on making a claim.
If you’ve sustained injuries in the accident and you believe that it was not your fault, you could be entitled to compensation. A car accident compensation claim can cover the damages, which factor in medical costs, current and future loss of earnings, pain and suffering, and more. You will want to seek legal advice from a solicitor specialising in car accident claims, which will make the process straightforward and ensure you receive appropriate compensation for the damages and injuries sustained.
These are the main steps to follow if you are ever involved in a car accident. This can be a traumatic experience, but it is vital that you know what steps to take to ensure safety and that the right action is taken regarding insurance claims and potential compensation claims. Hopefully, you will not have to use this information, but being prepared is key because it can be easy to feel shaken and unsure in the aftermath of a car accident.
