Sadly, car accidents aren’t uncommon, and most drivers will be involved in a road traffic incident at some time or another. Fortunately, the vast majority of accidents don’t cause serious injuries, but this doesn’t mean that you won’t be in a state of shock following a car accident.
Due to this, it’s important to know what to do in advance, as this can help to reduce anxiety and panic if an accident does occur. To ensure you’re fully prepped, take a look at these five steps to take after an accident:
1. Get Medical Attention
Your first priority after a car accident is the well-being of everyone involved, including yourself. If serious injuries are suspected, call 911 to access emergency assistance. Even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously hurt, it’s still worth visiting your doctor or the ER after an accident. Some injuries can take hours or days to become apparent, so getting a checkup is always advisable.
2. Obtain Contact Details
If you’re able to, obtain the contact details of anyone else involved in the accident. If your vehicle collided with a car on the road, for example, ask the driver for their name, address, and who they’re insured with. Similarly, if anyone witnessed the incident, ask them to supply their contact details, in case liability is disputed at a later date.
3. Call the Police
In some states, it’s compulsory to notify the police when a traffic accident occurs, so be sure to identify what your duties are before you get out on the road. Whenever a serious accident occurs, however, the police should always be informed. If in doubt, contact the police and tell them about the incident, so that they can decide whether or not to dispatch officers to the scene.
Even if no one has sustained serious injuries, police officers may need to ensure that the road is safe for other users or direct traffic away from the scene until it can be cleaned up.
4. Inform Your Insurance Company
When a car accident occurs, it’s important to notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Put their contact details on your phone, so that you can always contact them straight away in the event of an accident.
5. Remove Your Vehicle
If you’re able to drive following a minor car accident and your vehicle is safe to move, you’ll want to remove it from the scene. However, the car may have sustained unseen damage to the engine, which could make driving it unsafe. Due to this, it can be advisable to contact a towing company in Illinois instead. Similarly, if your vehicle is badly damaged and undriveable, a towing company will be able to remove it for you.
Recovering After a Car Accident
Even a relatively minor accident can leave you feeling shaken and sore, so don’t underestimate the effect that a road traffic incident can have. In addition to seeking help for your physical injuries, don’t hesitate to seek assistance if you’re experiencing emotional aftereffects due to a car accident or collision.