There are around six million car accidents each year across the United States. Whether the culprit is speeding, bad weather, or another driver, too many people end up in hospital beds each year on account of car accidents.
While you’re probably not planning to be in a car accident, it’s important to know what to do if you are. If one happens, you’ll have the knowledge you need to navigate the situation without a problem.
So what do you need to know?
Keep reading to learn about what to do after a car accident that is not your fault.
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
Car accidents are almost always sudden, intense, and terrifying. It’s tempting to panic once the actual accident has passed, but understand that doing so will only make things worse.
Instead, try your best to stay calm. You’ll be able to think clearer, soothe any of the other passengers in your car, and prevent the situation from escalating with the other driver.
You’ll also want to assess the severity of the accident. Try to get a sense of how much damage your car incurred in the accident, as well as whether you or any passengers got injured.
2. Prevent Further Damage and Injury
If the accident was minor and you’re able to, make sure to move your car to the side of the road. You don’t want another vehicle to come along and add further damage to the crash.
If you can’t move your car, then try to make the accident site as clear as possible. Turn on your hazards lights and set up any cones or triangles that you have.
Check and see if the passengers and driver in the other vehicle is able to move. If they are, you’ll want to get everyone out of the cars.
Make sure that the other people involved in the crash don’t have any head or spine injuries. If they do, don’t move them—wait for paramedics to come and help!
3. Call 911
Regardless of whether or not someone was injured, remember to call 911 as soon as you get a chance.
The law requires you to file a police report if the damage exceeds a certain amount, in addition to if someone is injured. Your insurance company might also require you to file a report.
Once the officer arrives, request a written statement so that you have everything on record. Remember to get their information, as well.
4. Look for Witnesses
Check around the site and try to find anyone who saw what happened. You want to have witnesses that are able to testify to your side of the story.
If you find someone, you can ask them to hang around until the police get there. You’ll also want to get their contact information for later.
If the accident took place in a commercial area, there’s a chance that security camera footage might have got it on tape. Police should be able to help you get that footage.
5. Record What Happened
The more evidence you have on your side, the more likely you are to win any legal cases. Take some time recording what happened.
Use your phone to take clear and detailed pictures of your car, the location where the accident took place, and anything else that you deem important.
As soon as you get a chance, it’s also a good idea to use your phone to write down everything that happened. You want to be able to provide a clear and detailed account of the events that transpired.
6. Exchange Information
Make a point to exchange information with the other driver. You want to get everything that you need for insurance purposes, but providing them with too many details. You don’t want to later be a victim of identity theft.
Give them your:
- First and last name
- Insurance company name
- The phone number of your insurance company
- Your policy number
If the other driver wants you to provide them with additional information, just wait for the police to get there.
7. Contact Your Insurance Company
The law doesn’t require you to call your insurance company at the scene of the accident. However, if either driver will be making any claims, then you do have to give them a call.
You’ll also have to call your insurance company if someone incurred injuries.
8. Consider Legal Representation
Lots of times, people will try and resolve the situation at the scene of the accident. The other driver might offer to pay you informally to deter you from making an insurance claim or filing a report.
Don’t get roped into agreeing to such a deal.
You and the other driver don’t have the right to assess the level of damage or severity of any injuries. File a report, and make a point to try and find the best accident lawyers to help you out.
They’ll be able to advise you on the best course of action, as well as greatly increase the chances of you coming out on top of any legal disputes.
Wondering What to Do After a Car Accident That Is Not Your Fault? This Guide Should Help
If you’re wondering what to do after a car accident that is not your fault, remember that the safety of you and everyone else involved in the accident should be your first priority. After that, depending on the circumstances, you may want to consider working with car accident lawyers.
While we hope that you won’t have to use the tips mentioned, do you now have a better understanding of what to do after a car accident? If you do, make sure to check out some of our other posts for more helpful guides and tips.
