There is no way to predict if or when you will get into a car accident. Help to prepare yourself ahead of time by becoming familiar with the steps you need to take if an accident occurs.
Many people get flustered or overwhelmed when they are in a car accident. If you’re afraid that this will happen to you, consider printing out this list and keeping it in your car’s glove compartment for easy reference.
1. Identify Injuries
Your first priority when an accident occurs should be seeing if there are any injuries. If anyone involved is injured, call an ambulance as soon as possible.
2. Notify the Police
Once everyone that was involved in the accident has been taken care of, it is time to inform the police of your accident. Later, when you speak to your insurance agency about your accident, you will probably need to have a police report available.
3. Help the Injured
While you wait for police or medical assistance to arrive, do what you can to comfort anyone that was injured in the collision. One common ailments caused by car accidents is shock, which can be helped by keeping the person warm by covering them with a blanket.
4. Survey the Accident Scene
Make sure that you take the necessary steps to protect your vehicle from further damage. If it is safe, move it out of the roadway. If you have them, you can use flares to warn other drivers of your presence. At this point, you may also want to call a tow truck. It often takes tow companies a while to reach you, so starting the process early will cut down your waiting time later.
5. Speak to the Police
Once the police arrive, you will have to provide them with information about yourself and the accident. Try to stay calm, and provide answers to their questions to the best of your ability.
6. Ask About the Accident Report
When the officer’s questions are answered, inquire about how and when you can get a copy of the accident report, as it will be a key piece of your car insurance claim.
7. Get Proper Notes and Documentation
Before you leave the scene of the accident, you need to make sure that you have a few key pieces of information about the accident. This information includes:
- Names of all drivers involved
- Their drivers license numbers
- Their auto insurance IDs
- License plate numbers of all involved cars
- Make and model of all cars
- Names and addresses of any witnesses
- Name and badge numbers of police officers
8. Make Arrangements for Your Vehicle
If your car needs repairs, have it towed to a repair shop. Remember, though – you shouldn’t have any repairs done until after you speak to your insurance agent! You will likely need to have your vehicle inspected and damages appraised before you can have repairs approved.
9. Call Your Local Insurance Agent
Once all the above steps have been taken care of, it’s time to inform your insurance agency of your accident. If you are a Vargas and Vargas Insurance customer, you can do this by calling us at 877-550-0025 or by filling out our online claim form.
