Tips When In an Accident

Getting in a car accident can be frightening and unpleasant experience, but it happens to the best of us.Important Steps to Take When an Accident OccursHere’s a checklist of actions to take if the worst should happen…

Check for injuries and call for help. Call 911 and tell them the exact location of the accident. If anyone is unconscious, it is best not to move them unless absolutely necessary as moving them could make their injuries worse. If you must move injured people, make sure to keep their head and neck supported the entire time (you should only do so in extreme situations, I.E. car about to explode)
Safely get out of the way of traffic. Round up everyone is a safe place. Don’t let people stay by the side of the road, especially if they are a bit dazed or confused by the accident. Make sure all children are out of the line of traffic. Use hazard lights to avoid further injury or property damage.
Stick around at the scene. Even if the other person just wants to exchange information and leave, call the police to make a report and wait for them to arrive.
Call the police to report the accident if it involves damage or injury. Make sure there is a report made and get the names of the specific officers handling your case. If on operation slick streets, follow the remaining suggestions and file an accident report with the police as soon as possible after the wreck occurs.
Don’t talk to anyone about the accident except the police. Don’t apologize for the accident or say it was your fault. Remember, you were just involved in an accident and might not remember everything clearly.
Help the authorities. Tell them the truth, show your driver’s license, insurance information and everything else they need or ask for. Be courteous to the officer.
Take pictures of all vehicles involved.
Talk to witnesses. Try to talk to as many people as possible who actually saw the incident with their own eyes and make sure to get all their contact details. This might be especially important if the other party later makes claims about injuries that are non-existent, or greatly exaggerates them.
Exchange information with other parties involved. Make sure you get all the contact details of the other parties including all of the following: their full name, address and contact numbers, email address, insurance company name, policy number, coverage limits (liability). Also, get the information of the police officer information including name, badge number, and city.
Write down details of the accident. Make sure you write the details of the accident including: date, time, other car description, make, model, year, color, car license plate number and state.
Create a diagram of the accident such as this:

Top Tips

Carry a list of emergency items in your glove compartment just in case, including a pen and paper, disposable camera, basic first aid kit and medical history card.
As you travel, be aware that every state has different laws, so it’s important you discover which ones are pertinent to your situation.
Know your insurance policy from top to bottom. If you know what is covered and what isn’t, your life will be a lot easier should the unforeseen occur.

If you prepare ahead for the possible eventuality of an accident occurring, you’ll be well ahead of the game. If the worse does happen, maintaining a clear head and following the above checklist should help you get the best deal you can.