What to Do Following a Car Accident: A Brief Guide 

A car crashes into the back of you – what do you do? Even a minor car accident can leave you feeling shaken and can cause both damage and injuries, which is why it is so important that you know what to do after a car crash.

Anyone that has been in an auto accident is aware of just how traumatic this can be. You must know what to do following a car accident, and this is the knowledge that you will want to have before you have to use it (although hopefully never at all).

So, read on for a brief guide to walk you through what you need to do after a car accident.

Check for Injuries & Get to Safety

First, you should check yourself and others for injuries. If you or someone else is seriously injured, immediately call 911 and try not to move (this can make matters worse).

If no one requires immediate medical attention, move your car to the side of the road to safety and prevent traffic from getting blocked up. Keep in mind that some injuries like whiplash may not become apparent until later, so you need to watch yourself and others.

Call the Police

Even if it is a minor fender bender, you should still call the police – this is a legal requirement in some states. The police will document the scene and fill out an accident report, which could be important if you end up hiring a car accident lawyer for a personal injury claim.

Exchange Information & Notify Your Insurer

At this point, you should exchange information with any other motorist involved in the car accident. When you talk with them, try to remain calm, avoid placing or taking any blame, make sure that they are ok, and then exchange information. This should include:

• Name and contact information
• Insurance company and policy number
• License plate number and driver’s license
• Car details

You should also notify your insurer at this point, even if you do not have plans to make a claim.

Gather as Much Detail & Evidence as Possible

You should never leave the scene of an auto accident without gathering as much detail and evidence as possible. It is important that you determine the sequence of events and who was to blame, especially if you end up hiring a car accident attorney for a personal injury claim or if one is made against you.

Details and evidence can include:

• Photographs of the crash site, damage, and injuries
• Name and badge number of responding officers
• Contact details for witnesses
• Copies of CCTV footage
• A copy of the accident report
• Contact details of all parties involved (including passengers)

Find a Reputable Auto Body Repair Shop

After a car crash, you may need to find a collision repair shop whether you have suffered major damage to the vehicle or minor damage. Most car accidents result in some damage, so you will want to find a reputable auto body repair shop that will be able to repair your vehicle at fair and competitive pricing quickly.

Take the Right Action After a Car Accident With These Steps

It is easy to feel shaken and stressed after a car accident, which is why you need to know what to do after a car crash so that the proper action can be taken.

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