What exactly should you do when you get into an accident? Car accidents can be very frustrating for everyone involved. The trauma leaves them feeling disoriented, confused, and most victims don’t know what to do next. Our article outlines the steps you should take if you find yourself involved in an accident. Continue reading below.
Steps You Should Take to Protect Yourself and Your Interests
- Ensure Your Safety: The first step you should take is to pull up to the roadside and ensure that you have moved to safety and that everyone else is safe.
- Report the Accident to Your Insurance Agent: It’s important to notify your insurance agent as soon as the accident happens. Most insurance company policies require full cooperation and immediate reporting in the case of an accident. This way, your insurance agent will advise you on how to proceed.
- Make an Accurate Record of the Accident: You should gather the following information from the scene of the accident:
- The date and time of the accident
- The location of the accident
- The type and model of the cars involved
- The license number plate of the cars involved and the drivers’ license information
- The full names, contact information, and condition of all persons involved in the accident, both the drivers and passengers
- The insurance information of all the vehicles involved in the accident
- The direction you were traveling in and the direction the other car(s) were coming from
- The weather condition in terms of visibility
- The names and contact information of the witnesses
- If you have a camera or your mobile phone is equipped with one, you should take pictures of the crash scene. These pictures should include the cars involved in the accident, the damage to your vehicle, and any visible injuries. You can also use your camera to record a detailed account of what happened. This recording will come in handy in case you forget the details.
- You should also make sure that you get a copy of the police report.
- Don’t Get Emotional: Regardless of your feelings, avoid getting into an argument with the other parties or apologizing as it may lead to legal issues.
- Do Not Share Information About the Accident with a Third-party: Limit your discussion of the accident with any external party. The only people you should talk to about the accident are the police, your insurance agent, and a medical professional.
- Do Not Admit Fault for the Accident: When talking to the police or any other parties involved, never take responsibility for the accident.
Knowing that you have a reliable insurance partner gives you some peace of mind. It’s exhausting enough to worry about your health; you also do not need to worry about your car.
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Homewood Insurance Agency prides itself on years of experience in offering insurance packages in Madison, Sun Prairie, and the Southern Wisconsin area.
Consult with us today, and let us find you an insurance solution that best suits your needs.
