No one expects to be in a car accident, and when they are, it can be an unsettling experience. Often times, a person is so flustered that they don’t know what to do after car accidents, and who can blame them? The moments after any kind of crash, whether it be a collision between two cars, a car and bike accident or car and motorcycle accident, can be scary, but they are also important. The steps after a car accident can make a big difference in insurance claims and premium hikes, and they can influence the outcome in personal injury lawsuits. For anyone who is unsure of what to do after car accidents occur, follow the advice below:

What to Do After Car Accidents

1. Move Out of the Road – The first thing that anyone who has been in a car accident should do is to get out of the road. This is especially important on the highway where cars are speeding by. If the vehicle is not significantly damaged, move the car to the side of the road or a safer location. Many small fender benders can turn into a medical emergency when a person does not move out of the road and gets hit by another car.
2. Call the Police – Once in a safe location, the driver should call the police and explain the situation. The police will come assess the accident and file a report, and they can also ensure that both drivers receive any medical attention that may be necessary if they were injured in the crash. The driver should take down the police officer’s information and ask them for a copy of the police report, as well.
3. Gather Information – It is important for the driver to collect information from the other driver involved in the accident while they are waiting for the police to arrive. Important pieces of information include their name, contact information, vehicle year, make and model, license plate number and insurance information. While sharing information, a driver should never admit fault to the other person. This could be used in arguments against them if the other driver is to take them to court.
4. Call the Insurance Company – As long as a person does not need medical attention after the accident, they should call their insurance company to begin filing their claim. The driver will most likely need to have damage to the vehicle assessed at a location approved by the insurance company. After a claim has been filed, the driver can have any necessary repairs made to their vehicle, but they should make sure to keep any receipts from work done on the car.

No one expects to be in a car accident, but they can be prepared for this situation by knowing the steps to take after an accident occurs. If there is serious damage or personal injury, the help of accident and injury lawyers may be needed, but otherwise, the above advice can help a person get through an accident as easily as possible. To learn more, read this.