How to Know What to do After a Car Accident

In 2005 there were more than 6 million car accidents in the USA (Car-Accidents.com, 2008). If you've ever been involved in an accident, you understand the confusing, terrifying and oftentimes painful moments that occur immediately after the accident.
The moments directly following the accident are extremely crucial and require attention to detail in order to make the claims process easier. Keeping that in mind, there are several steps you can take in advance to prepare yourself for the aftermath of an accident, should you ever be unlucky enough to have one.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Notebook
• Copies of your insurance card, driver's license and vehicle description
• A disposable or digital camera
• First Aid kit

1. After the impact, if your car is operable make sure to pull over to a safe spot where passing vehicles will be less likely to collide with you or your vehicle.

2. When it is safe, exit your vehicle and exchange information with the other vehicle: Exchange insurance, driver's license information and vehicle information. Take down the other person's: Driver's license number, full name and address. Copy the insurance card information including policy number, full name, insurance company name and telephone number.

3. If there is dispute to who is responsible for the accident call the police immediately.

4. Make sure to take pictures of the entire accident, including: both vehicles from all directions (North, South, East and West), license plate numbers of both vehicles, local landmarks (street signs, trees, houses, etc).

5. Seek medical attention if necessary then report all information to your insurance company within 24 hours.

6. If you are injured make sure to consult a personal injury lawyer prior to giving the other person's company an official statement. You may not want to hire a lawyer in all cases, but being informed is extremely important during times of stress or injury.

Tips & Warnings

• It is not mandatory to call police but a police report can help determine liability in the case of injury or dispute.
• Seek medical attention immediately if you feel any pain. Oftentimes pain can emerge days later, so make sure to document everything.
• Do not give a statement to the other party's insurance until you are clear in your mind about the events and have reported the incident to your insurance company.

[HardworkinJudy]

on 7/14/2008 Some priceless advice. Thanks again.

[guardtoday]

on 7/13/2008 Everyone should print this out and leave in your car. I was 40 when I had my first accident and I reall did not no what info I needed to get and by the time you think of it it is to late. So thanks for the helpful info and I will be sure to print it out and make copies for others that think they know untill its to late.
Safe & Secure http://www.guardyourselfnow.com

[txmusicgal]

on 5/6/2008 Greats tips very helpful.