It’s normal to get confused and frantic after a motor vehicle accident. However, since how you act and react immediately following an accident can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case, it’s important to know what steps to take.
Check for injuries and consider calling 911
If you or anyone else involved in the accident appears to be seriously injured, it’s important to call 911 right away. Even if the injuries don’t seem serious, it’s always a good idea to get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible after an accident.
It’s also important to call the police so they can file a report. Even if the motor vehicle accident is minor and there are no injuries, it’s still a good idea to have the police come to the scene so you have an official record of what happened.
Exchange information with the other driver
Before you leave the scene of the accident, you’ll need to exchange some basic information with the other driver. This includes your name, contact information, insurance company and policy number. You should also get the same information from the other driver. If possible, it’s a good idea to take photos of the damage to both vehicles as well as any visible injuries. This can be helpful evidence down the road.
Contact your insurance company
Once you have all the necessary information, the next step is to contact your insurance company and let them know about the accident. They will likely ask you for a detailed account of what happened as well as any evidence you have collected. It’s important to be honest with your insurance company – even if that means admitting that you were at fault for the accident. If the other driver was at fault and you plan to file a claim with their insurance company, you will need their insurance information as well.
There are other things that you can do to protect your rights and interests after a motor vehicle accident, but the three steps above are the most important. If you do everything right, you’ll be in a much better position to get the compensation you deserve.