Experiencing a car accident can be one of the most stressful events of your life. We hope you never have to deal with an event like this. However, if you are ever involved in an automobile crash, it’s important to know what to do.
You can’t add insurance coverage retroactively, so be proactive and figure out what kind of accident coverage you have and what you might need before an accident happens.
With that being said, here are seven tips on what you should do after being involved in a car wreck:
- Make sure you are okay. Check and make sure nothing is broken or sore.
- Move to the side of the road if possible. Avoid causing any further accidents. Get out of traffic if your car is still functional.
- Call the police and an ambulance, if needed. You’ll need to file a police report of the incident.
- Exchange information with the other party. Get their name, phone number, license plate, insurance information, and address, and provide them with yours. You’ll need this information for the police report and/or your insurance.
- Gather evidence. Assess the damage, if any, and take pictures. Write notes on exactly what happened. The photos, along with the police report can help in negotiating your case with the insurance adjuster.
- Do not discuss fault. Especially in the heat of the moment, you may say something you don’t mean. You might be in a high emotional state and not able to think logically. Wait until the smoke clears and just focus on exchanging information.
- Call your insurance company. File a claim. Contact your insurance company to open a no-fault claim. Don’t guess when responding to their questions and don’t minimize the extent of your injuries. If the other person is at fault, you will contact their insurance company which is called the liability carrier. Be sure to get the claim number, adjuster’s name, and the other driver’s phone number.
We are experienced car accident lawyers and are ready to help should this ever happen to you. Give us a call at 502-583-6667 or contact us here.
