Chances are that if you drive a car, at some point you will be in a car accident of some level of severity. There is a procedure to follow to keep yourself and your passengers safe, follow the law, and to get things started for your insurance claim. Keeping a printed list of these action items is a great way to ensure you won’t miss anything in the confusing moments immediately following a car accident Utah residents fear.
Make Sure You Are Okay
If you are seriously injured, stay as still as possible. Almost everyone has a cell phone these days. Let someone else call the authorities and wait for emergency personnel to arrive and help you.
Check On Your Passengers
If you believe you are okay and can move around, check on your passengers. If someone is seriously injured, instruct them not to move. Call 911, or ask a bystander to do it for you.
Safety First – Take Care of Your Vehicle
If the accident was minor and your car is safe to drive but is causing a hazard in the road, move vehicles to a safe place on the side of the road. If the car isn’t safe to drive, leave it where it is. For the sake of other drivers on the road, turn off the car, shift into park, and put on the hazard lights. If you have them, use cones or flares.
Call the Police for Help
Calling the police is important, even if the accident is minor and no one was seriously injured in the accident. In some states, this is legally required. No matter what state you live in, a police report is essential for the insurance claim process. The police handle these situations regularly and will know how to document the event. This will establish who’s at fault in the accident and protect everyone involved.
Do Not Admit Fault
You might think the right thing to do would be to admit fault if you think you might have been to blame for the accident. This is not a good idea. Keep in mind you do not know everything that happened. You don’t know if the other driver was texting. You don’t know how fast they were driving. You don’t know what other bystanders saw happen. You saw the accident from your point of view. It’s up to the officer at the scene to gather all points of view to help determine who is at fault. Your insurance adjuster will do the same.
When you speak to the police, tell the officers what happened. If you don’t know things, don’t guess; tell them the truth, which is that you don’t know.
Exchange Information With the Other Driver
Exchange information with the other driver as soon as you can. You need their contact information, with their full name. It’s a great idea to get their driver’s license information and their insurance company and policy number. If possible, ask to see their license and insurance card. Many people lie immediately after an accident, and it’s a good idea to make sure you have the correct information. If this isn’t an option, ask the police officer for the information.
Take Pictures and Document Other Information At the Scene
Hopefully, your claim process will go smoothly on its own. To protect yourself against any future questions or accusations, the best practice is to document everything you can at the scene.
Note the location of the accident. Take photos of both vehicles, the other car’s license plate, and anything else that seems important at the scene. Note the type, color, year, and model of the other vehicle. You want the names and contact information of passengers in both your vehicle and the other driver’s, as well as any witnesses at the scene.
Write down the police officer’s name and badge number. Ask the officers at the scene where you can obtain a copy of the official accident report. Your insurance company may want a copy when you file your claim.
Notify Your Insurance ASAP
You can begin the claim process at the scene of the accident. They will tell you exactly what they need from you. Many companies now have apps or you can call your agent. You can give them details and paperwork later on as they become available.
Visit a Doctor
If you have serious injuries, an ambulance will take you to the hospital. Even in a minor fender-bender, you may not feel your injuries for a while yet. It’s a good idea to get checked out as soon as you can to help the healing process.
Keep a File on the Accident
Keep all of your documentation safe. This includes your notes from the scene, the official police report, your communications with your insurance company, receipts for car repair and medical expenses, and the photos you took at the scene.
While accidents are always stressful, doing everything you can to protect yourself and follow best practices can make everything go more smoothly.