Knowing what to do after a car accident is important for any driver on the road. There are important steps to follow to protect yourself and ensure a smoother claims process. Remember these dos and don’ts and you’ll handle the situation more calmly and with a clear head:
DO Call the Police
Even if you’re in a minor car accident, it’s important to call the police. Official police reports are vital to filing your claim. Document the name and badge number of the on-scene officer to get a copy of the accident report and have easier insurance follow-ups.
DO Seek Medical Treatment
Take a moment to assess your surroundings and check to see if anyone is injured. If so it’s important to get medical attention right away. Even if you are feeling fine after the accident, keep in mind that symptoms such as dizziness and numbness can appear days after the accident.
DON’T Leave the Scene
No matter who’s at fault, it’s illegal to leave the scene of an accident until after the police have arrived. Stay calm and stay put until they do.
DO Take Photographs
Photograph the vehicle damage, property damage, license plates, the accident scene, location markers, and people involved. This will help you remember the incident clearly when submitting your insurance claim.
DON’T Place Blame
Exchange your information with the other driver, but don’t admit fault, make an accusation, or apologize to the other driver. It’s possible that something as simple as saying “I’m sorry” could be considered an admission of liability.
DO Get an Estimate
When your vehicle is damaged in an accident, obtaining repair estimates is a crucial first step in the process of getting it back on the road. You’ll need to have the damage assessed by a professional, taking into consideration the quality, cost and timing for repairs.
DO File Your Claim Quickly
Call us to report a claim immediately after a car accident. This should speed up your claim fulfillment and protect you in case the other driver claims undocumented injuries or damages.
Source: Liberty Mutual