Car accidents can be highly stressful, scary, and sometimes even painful. It’s not uncommon for people to react with anger or fear after an accident has occurred.
It’s easy to see why so many people struggle to stay calm after a collision. There are potential injuries and the worry of what will happen next. You may have countless questions like whether you need private property car insurance if your accident happens off public grounds.
While auto accidents are certainly a terrifying experience, there are helpful steps you can take after they occur so you can resolve things quickly and get back on the road.
Assess Your Accident Location
Depending on the damage to yourself and your vehicle, you may or may not be able to move your car after an accident. However, if you find yourself involved in an auto accident on a busy roadway, you will want to try and move your vehicle off the road as quickly as possible if you are able.
If you can’t move your vehicle, get yourself to safety if you are not seriously injured. Busy roadways can turn a crash fatal due to high speeds and excessive traffic.
If you are on private property when your accident occurs, it’s improbable you will need to move your vehicle out of the way. If you hit a parked car, search for the owner and explain the situation so you can exchange information.
Start by Checking Injuries and Damages
Some auto accidents are much more severe than others. Minor fender benders may leave you feeling perfectly fine and create little to no vehicle damage. More serious crashes could result in injuries and a totaled car.
An essential step after an accident is to assess the damage — both to yourself, passengers, and your vehicle. Minor accidents may not require a 911 call. You can simply exchange information with the driver of the other car and go on with your day.
Be sure to check your local laws, however. In some states, you are legally required to call 911 no matter the type of accident.
If you find yourself involved in a more severe accident with injuries and significant damage, it’s essential to call 911 as soon as you are able. If you are seriously injured, ask someone near you to call for help. You don’t want to risk moving too much before emergency assistance arrives.
Document and Check in With Your Insurance Agent
Once you’ve gotten yourself to safety and assessed the damage, you’ll want to document everything you can. Use your cellphone to take pictures and write down what happened so you can give a detailed report of the collision.
After documenting, you should get on the phone with your insurance agent. Though it may not be your first thought after an accident, calling your agent can help you explain the situation while everything is fresh in your mind.
They can explain the information they need from you and what will happen next with your claim. Understanding the process can bring some relief after such a scary situation.
Handling the After Effects of an Auto Accident
No one wants to find themselves in the middle of a collision. However, sometimes it’s unavoidable. Knowing the proper steps to take after you’re involved in an accident can make the process run a little more smoothly.
Moving to safety, assessing injuries and damage, calling for help, documenting what happened, and speaking to your insurance agent are all essential steps to take after you’ve been involved in a collision.