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What to do after a car accident

On Behalf of | Apr 6, 2023 | Car Accidents |

You cannot prepare for a car accident. They are scary, unexpected and often violent.

While you cannot prepare for an accident, knowing what to do after an accident may help you in the future.

Check for injuries

Check yourself and your passengers for injuries immediately after a crash. If you do not have injuries, check the other drivers involved in the collision. Call an ambulance for anyone who requires medical treatment.

Report the accident

If you did not need to call an ambulance, you should still call to report the accident to the police. Police will file an official report that includes details of the crash, pictures of the scene and witness statements. All of this information will prove useful when you file a claim with your insurance company or if you decide to pursue a claim for injuries or damages against the other driver.

Exchange information

Swap contact and insurance information with other drivers involved in the crash. If you do not feel safe approaching the other driver, or you were unable to exchange information due to the need for an ambulance, the contact information should be in the police report.

Seek medical treatment

If you do not need an ambulance at the scene of the accident but experience new pains or persistent headaches in the hours and days after the crash, seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Head injuries and internal injuries may not be immediately evident but are dangerous if not treated.

When talking with the police and other drivers, refrain from admitting fault. There may be circumstances that you are unaware of that led to the cause of the collision.