What to Do After a Car Accident

Tim Roberts, the most happening football player of high school finally got his driver's license. He was over the moon when he procured the much-needed document that will allow him to drive his 'mean machine'. Tim went home and proudly showed his dad his ticket to take his girlfriend Susan for a movie without his dad as a chaperon. His dad gave him a word of advice, 'Don't drink and drive son, follow all the traffic rules. Your life and the lives of others is very precious.' Tim assured his dad he will prove to be a responsible driver.

That evening, Tim picked up Susan at her home and both of them decided to catch a movie. Time followed all the traffic rules and carefully drove his car. While returning, Tim stopped at the red light, just as the light turned green and Tim drove on and 'CRASH'. His car was hit by another car whose driver was drunk and had jumped the signal on his side. Just as the jolt of the impact began to settle down, the first thought that came to his mind was what to do. Fortunately, Tim and Susan suffered minor injuries and were visibly shaken. But, the 'mean machine' was mangled beyond recognition. They were given first aid by the emergency medical team who arrived at the spot within minutes. Once the parents of both the kids arrived on the scene, their anxiety after a car accident decreased to a great extent.

Driving a car is a pleasure, but one of the most dangerous and fatal activities around the world. Even if you take utmost care and precaution and drive your car with caution and following all traffic rules, yet, you can never predict the unpredictable. Car accidents are one of the most unfortunate events in which you may either be a victim, or an offender. You maybe involved in a minor accident or a major fatal tragedy, that could require a prolonged disaster recovery.

Steps After a Car Accident

The most important step in an accident is to be aware of emergency preparedness. The first thing to do is to calm your anxiety. You should immediately get out of the car, if you see any kind of smoke or fire in the car. If there is nothing of this sort, then take a deep breath and check whether you or your fellow passenger (if any) is injured so that you can provide the basic first aid. If there are no injuries, and you are able to move, then get out of the car. If you find the other driver is furious or appears to be menacing in a threatening way, then lock your doors and immediately call '911' and report the accident. Do not leave the scene of car crash before giving the details and necessary information to the police. In case the other driver or your fellow passenger or even yourself is injured or needs medical help, call the emergency assistance. Call the tow after you call the police, in case you car is badly damaged.

In case of a severe accident, ask the police to write a record and issue a ticket. The ticket is a very important piece of evidence in matters related to car insurance after a car accident. The ticket helps the insurance company get a clear picture of which driver was at fault. Never ever speak about your state of mind, personal condition and anything out of the blue that has absolutely no connection with the accident, unless asked to do so. This may be used against you in any post-accident legal action or claim after a car accident.

The next thing to do is copy all the details on the other driver's license. You should note down his or her ID number, state that issued the license, address, etc. You should never forget to note down their phone number and make sure you call the number then and there to be sure it is correct. Next, note down their insurance details by asking for their card and carbon copying all the details printed on it. Never just write down the details if they just recite it without showing you the card. Then you should write down their car model, make, license plate number, color, etc.

After a car accident, if you are uninjured and can move around, it is very important that you should identify the witness, if any. If they drive off, try to note down their license plate numbers. If there are by-standers, take down their names, addresses and telephone numbers. Ask them what they saw and write down their descriptions. If you can, draw a rough sketch of the accident scene. Note down the distance of the skid marks, if any. If you have a camera, the best thing to do, is to click photographs and take a video of the accident. Write down the name and badge number of the police officer who comes to the accident scene.

Never agree to pay the damages, sign any document (other than the ticket issued) before speaking to your lawyer or insurance company. Cooperate with the police officer investigating the case and stick to the facts.

How to Deal with Insurance Companies After a Car Accident

Report the incident to the insurance company as soon as possible. You can call on the 24 hour helpline number of your insurance company or call your insurance brokers and agent. You can even file a claim online if the service is provided by your auto insurance company. Provide all the necessary details asked by your agent and give him all the details you collected from the other driver. Never cover up with anything amiss from your part that lead to an accident. State the facts correctly and do not tamper with the evidence, as this may lead to your claim being denied.

You should take your car to a car garage and get an estimate of the damages for the car problems that have cropped up after the accident. It is always better to take your car to at least two or three different car garages to get an estimate. Collect all the other details regarding the amount of days or hours you had to remain absent from work due to the accident. Also work on the medical bills, towing costs, storage costs, etc. that lead to any other additional financial losses.

Once the insurance company gathers all the required information regarding the accident, wait for them to process your claim. The issue regarding the claim will be settled by your and the other drivers insurance agent. After reaching a mutual consensus, they will offer a statement to settle your damages. If you are satisfied with the amount quoted for your car repair, accept it, but if not, then refuse the settlement and seek legal assistance and claim financial compensation.

Even if you are at fault, be honest, as the insurance companies will find out the real facts sooner or later. You should know all the details regarding your auto insurance and medical insurance in case you get involved in an accident. Gather as many documents and evidences as possible to back your claim. A picture is worth a thousand words, therefore, get a photograph of the accident site to be presented as evidence. As a driver always ensure you drive safely and act as a responsible driver. You can never predict an accident, but you can always try to avoid one. Wish you a happy and safe ride!