What to do after a car accident

No one expects to be involved in a car accident, but any driver on the road is at risk, regardless of their own driving ability and caution. If you find yourself in the aftermath of a car accident, you are legally obliged to stop, even if it is only minor. It is also crucial that you do not admit liability, as most car insurance contracts include this as a clause. While you will probably feel shaken up and upset, it is important that you follow key steps after an accident, so consider keeping a checklist in the car with you at all times alongside your insurance information. Here is a guide as to what you should do if you are involved in an accident on the road.

Assess any physical injuries
Your first priority is to ensure that anyone who needs medical attention for whiplash or other injuries is treated as soon as possible. Unless your cars are causing significant traffic problems, do not move them until the police have arrived and assessed the situation.

Call the police
Whether the accident is minor or major, be sure to call the police so that a legal accident report is created. In a lot of states this is a legal requirement, and it will help when you come to file a claim. Do not discuss the details of the accident with the other party, and do not admit liability or fault.
 
Get the other driver's contact and insurance information
You need to write down the other driver's name, phone number, and address, as well as contact information for any key witnesses. You should also note the other car's make, model, year, license plate number, registration, and the driver's insurance information. For your claim, you will need information about where the accident happened, including photos if possible. Make a note of the attending police officer's name, badge number, and contact information.

Take photos at the scene
If you have a phone with a camera, take photos of any damage to both your car and the other driver's car. It is also useful to take wider photos of the scene that show where the cars collided, the layout of the street, the weather conditions, etc.

Contact your insurance firm
If you are able to, contact your insurance company while you are still at the scene as you will be able to give them more accurate information, or even ask the police officer to speak to them on your behalf if you are distressed. It is important that you do not agree to settle the issue outside of your insurance companies and/or not to inform the police. This is primarily because in lots of states you are legally required to report car automobile accidents, but also to avoid the possibility that the other driver will make promises in the moment that they choose not to honor later.

To file a claim you can contact your insurance company, but often it is more effective and efficient to contact a car accident lawyer in Cumming, Georgia. A car accident lawyer can guide you through the process, ensuring you receive the maximum compensation from both the insurance companies and the driver who was at fault.

Look after yourself
Even a minor car accident can be a distressing experience both emotionally and physically, so remember to be kind to yourself in the days, weeks, or months that follow. You may feel that you are not injured at the time, but then find that in the days after the accident that your muscles start to stiffen, and bruises develop. If so, make sure you see a medical professional to get the full impact of the accident on record. Some people find that they are anxious about driving again after an accident, and in some extreme cases can struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder. Click here for advice on overcoming anxiety about driving.