It’s a rainy day and you’re driving along your normal route to work. Trying to see the cars in front of you is getting more and more difficult, and suddenly, two red brake lights are quickly coming into view. You try to stop in time and slam on your brakes, but you somehow hit the car in front of you. The first thought in your mind is, “Oh, no! Now what do I do?” This is the accident you have seen on the road with other drivers’ dozens of times before, but now it’s happening to you. You just got into a car accident, so what happens next?
The first thing any driver should do after a car accident is make sure they and their passengers are not injured. Next, try to check on the driver of the other vehicle involved as well. If medical attention is needed, call 911 immediately. Call the police and let them know there has been an accident. In most cases the police will arrive fairly quickly. While you’re waiting, you should exchange information with the other driver about their insurance company and policy number, name, and address. A phone number may also be helpful. If you feel any pain or think you need to see a doctor, you should do so as soon as possible. Injuries or pain need to be reported immediately.
Once the police arrive to the accident scene, they will ask each driver involved what happened. If there were witnesses, they will most likely have them write down what they saw as well. An accident report will be filled out including all of the pertinent information so that each driver can file an insurance claim for any damages to their vehicle. Never admit fault, or even say you’re sorry, because this can come back to haunt you later on in court or on your insurance bill. Simply state the facts of what happened and try to remain calm. Once you get the information from the accident report, you should call your insurance company as soon as possible. If a tow truck is needed, the local police will typically have a towing service they use, or you can opt to have the vehicle towed yourself. Once your car is moved, it’s time to get the insurance company involved. They should give you a claim number, which you’ll need to reference often during the process of getting your car either fixed or replaced.
An insurance adjustor will take a look at the damaged car and determine the potential cost it will take to either repair or replace your car. Shortly thereafter, you will receive a check in the mail if your car is totaled, or you’ll be instructed to take your vehicle to an authorized repair center deemed acceptable by the insurance company. Drivers should always be as prepared as possible for potential accidents. Always wear your seatbelt, and have flares in your car, so if you do get into an accident, you can create a clear barrier around your vehicle while waiting for police to arrive. Make sure you have your current insurance card with you in the glove box so the information can easily and quickly be transferred to the police. Being prepared ahead of time can save you a lot of heartache later on, and help you to move on after the accident.
For more information about car accidents and how to handle them, please refer to the following websites:
Car Accident Knowledge – This page has some good information for teens and adults about dealing with a car accident.
What to Do After A Car Accident – Here is a helpful guide to assist you with dealing with a car accident, and what to do afterwards.
Dealing with Insurance – If the accident is not your fault, you need to know how to deal with the insurance company the right way; find out how here.
Coping with Trauma – A lot of people experience trauma after a car accident. Find out how you can cope with this issue here.
How to Deal with a Car Accident – Follow these steps if you are ever involved in an automobile accident.
Vehicle Crash Statistics – You can find out car crash statistics by state at this website.
Motor Vehicle Safety – Read all about motor vehicle safety here.
Vehicle Collisions! What to Do? – Read here to find out what to do if you’re involved in a collision.
Collision Safety Tips – Follow these safety tips to help you avoid a car collision, and read about what to do after, in case it happens anyway.
Seatbelts – Read this important page to learn why seatbelts are so important.
What Causes Car Accidents? – Find out some of the most common causes of car accidents.
How to Handle an Accident – This page has helpful information about what to do when you get into an accident.
Dealing with the Trauma of a Car Crash – Read one person’s story about how they dealt with a serious car crash.
Avoiding Common Car Accidents – Read this article that discusses how you can avoid common car accidents from happening to you.
Defensive Driving – This page has some information about defensive driving and safe driving tips.
10 Tips – Here are ten tips to use if you are ever involved in a car accident.
Traffic Accidents FAQ – Here’s some frequently asked questions and answers regarding car accidents.
What Should I Do? – Here are some good questions and answers to help you if you’re ever involved in a car accident.
Insurance Claims Do’s and Don’ts – Read this page for some advice on what to do and what not to do when filing an auto insurance claim.
This article is a resource created by Cheap Car Insurance meant to educate accident victims on what to do if you get into an accident. Sharing is permissible. Please contact us if you have any questions. Get a car insurance quote in your area.
