How To Handle A Car Accident And What To Do

Being in a car accident can be a scary experience, especially if you have never been subject to a collision on the road before. Knowing what to do and how to handle yourself can be difficult when under pressure but your actions can have consequences for you and anyone else involved. To help you deal with the aftermath of an accident here are ways in which you can handle being in a road traffic collision. 

Photo credit; Artyom Kulakov from Pexels

First and foremost here are some essential things to do in the immediate aftermath of an accident. 

1. Stop the car as soon as possible, turn off the engine, and put your warning lights on.

2. Check to see if anyone is injured. If no one is injured in your vehicle or any other vehicle involved it is a good idea to make a note of it in case the other people seek to pursue an injury claim at a later date. 

3. Call the police and an ambulance if required. 

4. Although you are bound to be shocked after an accident, try to stay calm as you can and try not to lose your temper. 

5. Do not admit responsibility or fault for the accident until you have had time to take stock and are completely aware of what has happened. This will help to protect your liability for the accident. 

Once you have had time to assess the accident and gather your composure you need to think about the practicalities of what comes next. Of course, dealing with any injuries and providing medical attention will take priority but once this has been done you need to exchange details with the driver and passengers of the other vehicle. Together with collecting the information of any potential witnesses to the accident. The details you need should be the name and contact information plus their car registration. If you can, it is useful to obtain their insurance information.

It is also a good idea to make a note of the damage sustained by all vehicles, to write down the accident as you remember it and, if you can, take photos of the accident. All of this information will be useful at a later date should there be an ongoing insurance or litigation claim. 

You are obliged to report your accident to your insurance company and assist them in seeking to determine liability for the accident. You will also need to work with them to provide any information as to any financial losses, car damage, or injuries sustained. It is important that you do this as soon after the accident as possible. 

If you or your passengers have sustained an injury as a result of the accident and the accident was not deemed to be your fault, in its entirety, then you may be able to pursue a claim for financial compensation. Contact an injury lawyer to discuss your claim and any losses or injuries that you have sustained. They will be able to walk you through the process of an injury claim and help you to recover any losses you have incurred.