What to Do After a Car Accident

Even the best drivers can get into a car accident. It’s a scary situation, but you can ease the stress by being prepared should it happen. Here are some tips to help you know what to do after a car accident:

What To Do Immediately After a Car Accident

As soon as you get into a car accident, stop your vehicle immediately. Don’t leave, as this can be considered a hit-and-run and may result in a criminal investigation. Check if anyone in your vehicle is injured. If there is, do not move the victim; call 911 and follow their instructions. Call the police, as well, if the damage appears to be more than $20,000 or if you suspect any other drivers involved are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If the accident is minor, call a Collision Reporting Centre, instead.

If it’s safe to do so, get out of your vehicle and record as much information (photos, videos, notes) of the scene and the damage. Then, remove your vehicle from the road. If you can’t move your vehicle onto a shoulder, turn on your hazard lights or set up traffic cones or flags.

Call your car insurance company as soon as possible and inform them of what happened, then follow the next steps so that you can process any damages or claims.

Tips for When You Get Into a Car Accident

Here are some tips to help you peacefully and efficiently manage a car accident:

Have an Emergency Kit

Car accidents happen unexpectedly. Be prepared by always having an emergency kit or first aid kit in your vehicle. This should contain the following:

• Pen and paper
• Accident worksheet
• Road flares, warning triangles, or traffic cones
• Fire extinguisher
• Tire repair kit and pump
• Tool kit
• Booster cables
• Work gloves
• Flashlight
• Batteries
• Towels
• Thermal blanket
• Hand wipes
• Non-perishable food
• Bottled water

Get the Right Information

While your memory is still fresh, record everything that happened to cause the accident. Take note of the date, time, road conditions, weather, etc. Take photos and videos of the accident as well.

If other parties were involved in the accident, exchange information with them. Make sure you have the following information:

• Full name
• Address
• Phone number
• Driver’s license number
• License plate and vehicle description
• Insurance company and policy number (including brokers, if applicable)

You’ll likely also have to give this information to the other driver, so make sure you’re prepared to provide these details, too.

Be Careful of What You Say

Remain calm and don’t argue with other drivers and passengers. Avoid voluntarily assuming liability or taking responsibility, and don’t sign any statements regarding fault or promise to pay for damages. Leave these to your insurance company to figure out so that they can act on your behalf and in your best interest.

In Conclusion

Preparation is vital to getting out of a car in one piece. Always be alert and carry the basic items needed to be safe.