How to Handle an Auto Accident: Your Complete 8 Step Guide

Each year, there are more than 6 million automobile accidents in the United States!

What should you do if you’re in one of these accidents?

When you get in an auto accident, the crash is just the beginning. Here are the eight things you should do after getting in a car accident.

1. Check to See if You or Your Passengers are Injured

First, check to see if you are injured. If you are hurt, don’t move—wait for emergency personnel. If you are able to, check on your passengers to see if they are okay.

2. Move to a Safe Location

You should get out of your vehicle if you are not seriously injured and move to the side of the road or a sidewalk to avoid additional injuries.

Don’t move your car unless you have to. If you do need to move it make sure your first take pictures and document the scene of the accident.

3. Contact Emergency Personnel

After you are safe, call 911. Let them know if there are any serious injuries.

You need to call the police no matter if it’s a big accident or a minor fender bender with minimal damage.

4. Gather Information from the Other Driver

Next you will need the following information for your accident claim. Be sure to write down the following:

Driver and passenger names
Insurance policy number, company, and agency
License plate numbers
Models of all vehicles
Location of the accident
Eyewitness contact information
Responding police officer’s name and badge number

If you don’t have a pen, you can take a picture of the other driver’s insurance card. You can also text yourself the other information like phone numbers and names.

5. Take Detailed Notes

Take photos of the accident for your records. Also, the police officer should give you the accident report number. You will need this report number when you file your claim.

Make detailed notes to yourself about what happened, including where you were and what you were doing, where the other car was, how the collision happened, and any contributing factors such as the weather or other road conditions.

The process of documenting everything pertaining to the accident is essential for getting the most out of your accident claim.

Limit Your Conversation With the Other Driver

To protect yourself, limit your conversation with the other party about the accident. You should never admit any fault—that’s up to the police to decide who is at fault. Only discuss your accident with your attorney, police, or medical personnel.

7. Contact Your Insurance Company

After you receive medical treatment, you need to contact your insurance company or agent. If you are not injured, you can call them from the scene. They will need your accident report number so you may have to wait until the report is filed.

The contact information should be on your auto insurance ID card. Even if the accident is clearly not your fault, you should still contact your insurance company.

8. Contact an Attorney

Auto accidents can be life changing, from financial set-backs, recovering from injuries, and post-traumatic stress. If you were injured due to another person’s negligence you‘re entitled to seek compensation.

Remember, the claims adjuster working for the at-fault party’s insurance company is not your friend. They will attempt to settle for the lowest amount possible. It’s best to let a professional, experienced, personal injury attorney handle your claim to help you get the settlement you deserve.

Call Herrman and Herrman to Get Started on Your Personal Injury Case Today!

If you’ve suffered an injury in a car crash, it’s paramount that you seek damages as soon as possible. Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate the personal injury lawsuit process on your own.