Did you know that every year, over 38,000 people die from car crashes and another 4.4 million have to go to the hospital for their injuries? While we all hope that we don’t get in a traffic accident while on the road, it’s a very real possibility that you just might get into a fender bender one day.
Because of this, you need to be prepared for a traffic accident. That way, you know how to handle things efficiently. Here’s what you should do in case of a crash.
Check for Injuries and Get Out of the Road
It’s easier said than done, but if you’re in a vehicle accident, try to remain calm. Check yourself and your passengers for any injuries.
If anyone’s seriously hurt, dial 911 immediately. Even if there are just slight bumps and scratches, you’ll want to call the non-emergency line so you can get a traffic accident report from the police.
If possible, drive your car to the shoulder and put your hazard lights on so you’re out of the way of oncoming traffic. If your car’s too heavily damaged to move, at least put your hazard lights on and get yourself (and your passengers) to the shoulder if you aren’t too badly hurt.
Document Damage and Exchange Information
Examine the vehicles involved in the traffic crash and take pictures as you go along. These images will help in your insurance case later on.
You should also exchange information with the other drivers, as well as any witnesses. The key pieces of information you need to get are:
- Full names
- Phone numbers
- Insurance information
Make sure you never admit fault, even if you’re 100% sure you caused the accident! What you say can hurt you in the future.
Notify Your Insurance Company
If the accident is serious enough and you want to file a claim, you need to notify your insurance company ASAP. They’ll assign you an adjuster and they’ll help assess the damages to determine how much you’ll get.
See a Doctor
See a doctor, even if you feel ok after the crash. The fact is, many injuries aren’t noticeable right away, so you want to get checked out by a professional after the accident.
If you plan on filing an insurance claim, this also shows that you sought immediate care and will help your case.
Speak to a Lawyer if Needed
Most car accident cases are very straightforward. But if you find yourself struggling to remain in contact with the other drivers, or you feel like your insurance company isn’t giving you enough, or you’ve got a situation where you’ve been hit by a trucker, then the help of a truck accident attorney can be useful.
They can be your advocate and get things moving. That way, you can get fair compensation promptly for your pain and suffering.
Handle a Traffic Accident Smoothly
While it can be scary when you’re in a traffic accident, knowing what to do in the event of one can help make the process afterward a lot smoother. So keep all the details of this article in mind and should you get in a crash, you’ll know exactly what to do!
If you enjoyed this article on traffic accident advice, check out the rest of our blog page for more good tips!
