Being in a car accident is never fun, but there are steps that you can take to ensure your safety, the safety of anyone else in your car, and the safety of any third parties involved in the accident. Immediately after an accident, start by prioritizing moving your vehicle to a safe area away from the traffic. Once done, check yourself for injuries before moving on to anyone else in your vehicle. If you have any concerns that someone is injured, do not hesitate and immediately call for emergency services to be dispatched to the scene. Once your vehicle is out of the way of traffic and you’ve ensured that you are safe, exit your car and check on any other parties. Even if the accident is minor, it is always best to contact the police and request that an officer is dispatched to the scene to complete an accident report. This report is vitally important for the insurance claims process because it often delineates who was at fault in the incident.
Additionally, you’ll want to document everything about the scene. Take photos of where the accident occurred, the damage to your vehicle, and damage to any other vehicles or property. Ask the other driver to provide you with copies of their driver’s license and insurance card. Be sure also to take a photo of the vehicle’s license plate. You can contact your insurance company from the scene if you feel comfortable beginning the claims process. Most insurance companies allow you to do this directly from your phone via their app.
For more questions on what to do after an accident or learn about our auto insurance offerings, give The Owens Agency LLC in Waldron, AR a call to schedule a complimentary consultation.
