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Every year there are more than six million auto accidents. In fact, you are much more likely to get in a car accident than an airplane accident. That's why it's important to be prepared.
Preparing for an Auto Accident
Similar to having insurance, it's best to prepare for an auto accident. Preparing for an accident will enable you to take the best care of yourself and to gather the information you need in case there's a legal battle after a car wreck.
- Safety Cones
- Caution & Warning Triangles
- Road Flares
- Pen and Paper
- A Disposable Camera
- Proof of Auto Insurance
- First Aid Kit
Auto Accident Checklist
1. Check for Injuries
The first thing you need to do before anything else is to check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Then, if another car was involved in the accident, you need to see if they're injured. Unless it's a life threatening situation, do not move any injured person. They may have spinal injury and moving them may make it worse. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately to request paramedics. For minor injuries, like cuts and scrapes, consider using your First Aid Kit.
2. If Minor Accident, Move Vehicles
If you find that nobody is seriously injured, and if it was only a minor accident, you should move the vehicles off the street. They should be moved to the safest place as possible. After you move the vehicles, set up your safety cones, triangles and road flares for oncoming traffic.
3. Don't Leave the Scene
It's never okay to leave the scene of an accident. It's against the law and could get you in serious legal trouble.
4. Call the Police
You should always call the police after a car accident. If it's a minor accident, some cities and counties only require that you exchange information with the other driver. However, many local governments prefer to respond to all accidents and like to question the drivers to assist in creating the police report.
5. Exchange Information with Other Driver(s)
Assuming you and the other drivers involved are physically able, each driver should exchange identifying details with each other. Using your pen and paper, write down these key items of data:
- Name
- Address
- Driver's License Number
- License Plate Number
- Insurance Company
- Policy Number
6. Don't Admit Fault or Discuss Incident with Other Drivers
When you exchange information with the other drivers, do not admit fault or discuss the incident in any detail. It's best to tell the other drivers that you would like to wait until the police arrive before discussing it. Then you should only discuss it with the police, not the drivers.
7. Make a Record of the Accident Details
Write down notes and facts about the incident. Assess the extent of the damage and record how you remember the accident occurring. Get statements from witnesses, including their name and contact details.
8. Take Pictures of the Accident Scene
Use your disposable camera to take pictures of the incident. You should take pictures of your injuries, vehicle damage and the scene of the accident. These images can then be used with your insurance company and/or legal proceedings.
9. Contact Insurance Agent
If possible, it's best to contact your insurance agent the day of the accident. Delaying or not contacting your insurance agent can nullify or make it difficult to get full coverage for the accident.
10. Obtain Police Report
In all cases, you should obtain the police report for the accident. This report will be needed by the insurance agent and for an attorney if their are legal issues related to the accident.
11. Contact an Auto Accident Attorney
If you experience difficulty with your insurance company, feel compelled to sue the other driver for damages or simply need legal advice regarding your accident, you should contact a lawyer that specializes in automobile accidents. Auto accident attorneys can provide legal advice, assistance in making claims and help you receive compensation for hospital bills and other damages.
