Did you know that more than 75% of people in the United States have been in at least one auto accident? 

Distractions, weather, and poor choices can all lead to accidents, and unfortunately, you can never be too prepared for them.

If you don’t know what to do after an accident, you should learn about the process so that you are covered medically and financially. 

Continue reading to learn about what to do after a car accident so that you are prepared for every situation on the road! 

Check Yourself 

The first step of learning what to do after a car accident is to check yourself.

Car accident injuries can be obvious and immediate, or subtle and delayed. You will want to check yourself for obvious signs of injury or concussion right after the accident. If you can do it yourself, call 911 if you have any injuries or have someone else call. 

You shouldn’t move from your position if you are severely injured. Moving around might cause more damage and bleeding, depending on where you are hurt. Wait until emergency teams arrive to move so that they can assess the situation and cause the least discomfort as they can. 

If you aren’t severely injured and can move around, try to get out of the car and away from the road. This will help protect you in case someone were to accidentally hit your car. You should also check if the person in the other vehicle is moving around or if they need immediate medical help. 

Take Safety Precautions

Whether you are injured in a car accident or not, you should always take safety precautions after an accident.

Check on other passengers in your vehicle to make sure that they are okay and can move. Get yourself and everyone else off of the road and onto a sidewalk if possible. It is also a good idea to move your car out of the way if it is still functioning. 

If the vehicle is too damaged to move, turn on your hazards and get to safety. Since concussions can be difficult to identify, make sure that no one falls asleep while waiting for the ambulance to arrive. Another safety precaution that you should take is to take the keys out of the vehicle so that it doesn’t overheat and catch fire. 

Call for Help

After you have checked on yourself and your passengers, you will need to call for help.

Call 911 as soon as you can so that the police, ambulance, and firetruck can show up. No matter how large or minor an accident is, you should always call for emergency help, many states even require it legally. 

Calling the police is necessary because they can help you receive medical help, get you out of a dangerous situation, and file the report. The officers that show up have to report on all of the details regarding the accident.

In some scenarios, you might be responsible for going to the police station and making a report. Always ask for a copy of your police report since the insurance company will require it when you make your claim. 

Exchange Driver Information

Many types of car accidents occur, but no matter what type you are in, always get the other driver’s information.

This can be difficult in a hit and run situation, however, try to write the number down on their license plate as fast as you can. If you don’t have time to get the number, take note of the color, make, and model of the vehicle. 

When you go to exchange details with the other driver, be sure that you get their full name, phone number, and their driver’s license number. Many people recommend avoiding a discussion about the accident until the police arrive. This will help to prevent issues or misunderstandings. 

Get Proof

The more information that you have about an accident, the easier it will be for insurance companies to determine who is at fault.

Taking pictures of the scene of the accident, the vehicle, and yourself is highly recommended. These photos will act as evidence if you were to go to court and are necessary for analyzing the accident. Try to get different angles of everything that you take a photo of and get a snap of the other driver’s car and license plate. 

After the police arrive, you will also want proof of the interaction. Record the police officers’ names and get information from witnesses. Having all of the details will help cover your base and ensure that you get the help that you need. 

Find Representation 

Finding a personal injury law firm can make a big difference when it comes to auto accidents.

If you did not cause the hit, an auto accident lawyer can help you get compensation for the damage and medical bills. Typically people only get an attorney if they have serious injuries and need to go on disability. Finding representation will help you from going into debt and often has many other advantages. 

Talking to a lawyer will also ensure that you aren’t responsible for anything that you shouldn’t be. Many people get lawyers so that they can be free of points on their driver’s license or to prove that they weren’t at fault. 

Do You Know What to Do After a Car Accident? 

Car accidents are often sudden and can leave people feeling overwhelmed and confused.

Figuring out what to do after an accident can seem like a lot but there are a couple of simple steps to take. The most important thing to focus on is yourself and the passengers in the car. Call for help at all scenes of the accident and report any injuries.

After you know you are okay, you can start getting details to provide the insurance company and your attorney. Taking each of these steps will help get you out of paying expensive fees and tickets if you aren’t at fault.

Be sure to check out our blog for more articles about what to do after a car accident and how to protect yourself!