As cautious as you may be, there may be instances where you’ll experience a motor accident while on the road. Indeed, research reveals that about 94% of accidents result from human error. As such, it’s essential to be prepared in such situations. What should you do immediately after an accident? Although the post-accident procedure may seem simple, it isn’t always straightforward. And as challenging as it may be, you’ll need to remain calm to appropriately respond if you’re not injured. Following the tips below may reduce the stress after a mishap and make the process easier.
Get your car and yourself out of harm’s way
Drive cautiously to the side of the road to avoid obstructing traffic if you are not hurt and the accident was minor. To warn other cars to slow down, keep your hazard lights on and place flares or reflective emergency triangles. However, if the collision is serious or someone has been visibly harmed, keeping the cars where they are is advisable. Even if you don’t believe you were hurt, cautiously proceed when exiting your vehicle, especially if the collision happened on a motorway or busy street.
Protect your rights
Speaking with a lawyer is one of the most crucial actions you should take following an accident. Your lawyer can defend your rights and guide you in ensuring you don’t lose any important evidence. Insurance companies usually need statements right after an accident. You must obtain legal counsel before making such a declaration. Your lawyer can advise you on anything from ensuring you receive the finest medical care possible to ensuring you are adequately compensated for your car. It’s worth noting that personal injury lawyers work on an incident fee basis, meaning there is no cost unless the lawyer successfully gets you compensation for your injuries.
Decide whether to submit a claim
You are not compelled to claim if you caused the accident. But keep in mind that even a seemingly minor mishap might end up costing more than you anticipated. You must submit a claim to the at-fault driver’s insurance provider if you weren’t responsible for the collision. Call your insurance company first; they could submit the claim to the driver’s insurance company on your behalf. Even if another motorist was at fault for a collision, you might still need to use your insurance. If so, submit a claim to your insurance provider and be ready to cover the deductible. Your insurance provider will speak with the other driver’s insurance provider and, if necessary, reimburse your deductible.
Exchange contact information
The other party will most need your name and insurance information. While you may want to discuss the specifics of the collision with the other motorist, keep your communication to a minimum, so you don’t confess fault, place responsibility on the other party, or reveal your insurance policy’s coverage limitations. It’s best to gather data as early as possible, including the other driver’s name and insurance details, such as the policy number and insurer’s contact information. You should also get contact information for witnesses and consider other details like the number of the police report and, if available, a copy, as well as the name and badge number of the police officer present.
Consider how to restore your damaged vehicle
Your vehicle can have dents, scratches, or even components missing after a collision. As a result, it’s important to find services offering high quality collision repair to ensure your safety as you get back on the road. These are bodywork or repairs that can’t be done at home and require professional skills. Repairs to mechanical components should always be carried out by a trained professional. Service providers like Canadian Dent offer ceramic coating, paintless dent repair, and micro repairs. It’s best to consult such professionals to avoid further expenditure related to shoddy or careless repairs.
Call a tow truck if needed
Depending on the severity of the damage, your car might need to be towed to a collision repair facility. Many individuals belong to car clubs, and one of the perks is roadside help. Alternatively, the police may call a tow truck firm, and several automakers provide driver assistance services. Never trust a tow truck that appears at the accident scene without due diligence; always check its credentials and save all of its contact information beforehand.
See a physician
Even though you could feel great immediately following a motor accident, some injuries take a day or two to become obvious. Visit your doctor to ensure you’re completely fine. Even a little hit can result in head or spinal injuries, making it essential to get immediate medical attention if you suffer pain or strange symptoms after the accident. Keeping track of any physical damage brought on by the collision is crucial since your vehicle insurance claim often covers injuries sustained in an accident.
Remember to stay calm while applying these tips to make your situation more manageable.