What you do after a car accident can help to save lives, to reduce injuries, and also help to ensure a quick settlement of the car insurance claims. Here is an easy to follow guide that will ensure that you do the right thing at such a demanding time.
The Accident
- Contact the police: Call 999 or any emergency extension line.
- Collect the Details: Get the names, license plate number, tag number, the insurance company name, and the policy number.
- Exchange information: Exchange the information with all the drivers at the place of the incident.
- Take photographs: If you are involved it is important that you take the pictures of your injuries and of the damages to all the vehicles involved.
- Accident Report: Get a copy of the accident report if the police responded.
- Witnesses: Get the details of some of the witnesses including their names, physical address, and phone number among other things.
After The Accident
- Seek immediate medical attention: Go to the nearby hospital for a checkup.
- Do not admit fault immediately: Allow your insurance company plus police to investigate first.
- Follow through with all medical treatments: Make sure you finish up the recommended medical treatment.
- Allow your insurance company or attorney to speak for you.
- Sign any forms only after the approval of your attorney.
- Settle your case only after all the necessary medical expenses have been reached.
- Keep copies of all documents including bills and any other medical records.
- Log all office visits, hospital visits, prescriptions, physical therapy, and treatments for your medical expenses.
- Keep a log of time taken off from work due to the accident.
- Keep a log of all lost school time or even an inability to continue with school due to the accident.
- Take photographs: Continue taking photos of injuries at different stages after the accident.
- Contact your witnesses to also give a written account or statement.
- Get the car repair estimates and other occurring bills from the accident.
Whether you caused the accident or you were the victim, it’s important you know what to do and also what information to collect so that you get a smooth process.