Car accidents are stressful and there can be a dozen of things that go through your mind at once. It can be hard to know what needs to be done or what step needs to be taken first. We have listed the follow steps that need to be taken following an accident.
Check Yourself for Injuries
If you are injured, you need to contact 911 immediately. If you are unable to do so, ask someone nearby to call on your behalf. If you are seriously injured, try not to move until emergency personnel arrive.
Check on the Well-Being of Your Passengers
If you weren’t driving alone and are able to move, check on the other passengers in your car. If anyone is injured, call the emergency services or ask a bystander to help you with the other passengers.
Get To Safety
Again, if you are able to, move to the side of the road or a sidewalk. If your car is safe to drive and is causing a hazard where it is, you need to pull it to the side of the road. If that is not possible, leave it where it is and get yourself and others to safety.
Call the Police
No matter the accident, whether it is a minor fender-bender or a major collision, calling the police is important and required. The officers that come to the scene will fill out an auto accident report and document the scene.
Wait For Help
Turn of your engine and turn on your hazard lights. If you have road flares, use it to warn other vehicles to slow down.
Exchange Information
After you make sure you and any passengers are uninjured, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver or drivers. Some of the most important information includes the following: full name and contact information, insurance company and policy number, drivers license and license plate number, type, color and model of vehicle and location of the accident.
At Robert J. DeBry and Associates, we are here to help you get through this traumatic event.
