What to Do if You Have a Car Accident?
Most of the states require their drivers to have at least a minimum amount of liability car insurance. Due to these mandatory regulations, most drivers have sufficient knowledge about car insurance.
Having car insurance can help you in the event of an accident. Car insurance offers economic coverage against damages, but does not protect you from the physical, emotional and mental distress you suffer if you are involved in an accident. As a driver, you should be prepared to deal with the unpredictable.
Drivers should know how to handle the situation during an accident. They should have their priorities right, as this will help them make quick and appropriate decisions.
If you are involved in an accident, this is what you should do as a responsible driver:
If your car is still in condition to be driven, and no one in your vehicle has been injured, you must get your car out of traffic and place it on the side of the road as soon as possible. Next, switch your car engine off. Check everyone's injuries and find out if someone needs first aid. If you are not sure about the severity of the injuries, call 911 or the medical help line. Do not try to escort the victim anywhere. This may worsen the injuries. Wellness and safety are priority concerns after an accident.
Whether or not anyone has been injured in the accident, you should call the emergency number 911 and report the accident. It is illegal to leave the scene of the accident and escape. Things will get worse especially if you are responsible for the accident.
Once you have taken care of the injuries, the next formality is paperwork. People tend to get con-fused and emotional after an accident. This is a natural reaction after a traumatic experience. It is advisable to leave the situation in the hands of the police and other concerned authorities. You should try to stay calm and co-operate with the authorities.
It is recommended that, in the event of an accident, you call the police emergency number. Keep a note of the location and time of the accident along with details of what happened, because you will have to give the information as a statement. If the accident is minor and none of the drivers involved are injured, you will need to take care of the small formality of filling out an accident report. Be sure not to skip this step because this formality may help you with the insurance claim or settlement.