5 Things to Do After a Minor Car Accident
Minor car accidents happen frequently. These accidents generally involve some damage to the vehicles, but those who are in the vehicle can walk away from the accident with no to minimal injuries. The following are a few things anyone who is in a minor car accident can do to help ensure they are compensated for any injuries as well as the damage to the vehicle.
Pull Over if Safe to Do
It’s unfortunately common for accidents to occur after the initial accident if the vehicles are still on the road. If it’s safe to pull over and the vehicle is able to pull over, both drivers should get their vehicles to the side of the road. This helps minimize the chance there will be a second accident. Drivers should remember to remain calm at this point, as this injury attorney can help them obtain compensation for the accident.
Call Emergency Services
The driver should contact emergency services, even if they believe the other driver has already called for assistance. A police officer will arrive to create a report on the accident that will be provided to both drivers. This report details what happened to cause the accident and may state who is at fault for the accident. Emergency medical services may also arrive if anyone was injured in the accident so they can get prompt medical attention.
Exchange Information with the Other Driver
While waiting for the police to arrive, it may be a good idea for the drivers to exchange information. Write down or photograph the other driver’s license and insurance information. This will be needed to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company so the victim in the car accident can get the compensation they need to repair their vehicle and cover other accident-related expenses.
Take Photos of the Accident
Another thing the driver can do while they’re waiting for emergency services is to take photos and videos of the accident. They will want photos of the accident scene, if it’s safe to get them, as well as photos of both vehicles and the area around where the accident occurred. The more photos they can get, the better, as this helps ensure they will have plenty of clear photos that can be used as evidence if needed.
Report the Accident to the Insurance Company
After everything has settled down, it’s usually a good idea to report the car accident to the auto insurance company. Most drivers will report the accident to their own insurance company and provide the information for the other driver’s insurance. The insurance company will start working to obtain compensation for the accident for their client, though the driver can also speak with an attorney if they would like help obtaining as much compensation as possible.
If you’ve been involved in a minor car accident, the most important thing to do is to remain calm. You will want to follow the steps here so you can gather as much evidence as possible about the accident and be prepared in case you do want to speak with a lawyer about the compensation you could be owed. A lawyer can help you obtain more compensation from the at-fault driver, so you can fully recover financially from the car accident.