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What Should You Do After a Car Accident: A Step-By-Step Guide

On average, around six million car accidents occur in the U.S. every year. If you and/or your passengers are injured in a car accident, you need to follow certain steps to ensure everyone’s safety. The way you react after an accident can have major implications for your personal injury case.

With this thought in mind, let’s take a look at some things you must do after a car accident.

Step 1: Check Yourself and Your Passengers for Injuries

First and foremost, you need to ensure that you and other people in the car are safe. Assess your injuries. Check your passengers. Call for help. If you are seriously injured do not move from your place.

Step:2 Get to Safety

Try to steer your car to the side of the road or a sidewalk safely. If your car is not safe to ride or inoperable, leave it where it is and get yourself and others to safety.

Step 3: Call 911

Whether you were involved in a minor fender-bender accident or were injured in a major accident, calling the police is important. In many states, drivers are legally required to file a report with the police after a car accident.

If you decide to file a personal injury lawsuit, having your accident report will be invaluable. Additionally,when you file an insurance claim, the insurer will ask for a copy of the report.

Step 4: Wait for Help

Turn off your engine. Turn on your hazard lights. If you have road flares in your emergency car kit, use them to warn other motorists to slow down while you wait for help to arrive.

Step 5: Exchange Information

Limit your discussion of the accident with the other party. Some important information drivers must share after an accident are

  • Full name and address
  • Vehicle registration number
  • Insurance company and policy number
  • Detail related to their vehicles- such as their color, type, make and model

While you may feel upset and shaken after an accident, it’s important that you stay calm when talking to the police or you may end up saying something self-incriminating. Do not feel obligated to answer every question thrown your way.

Before you call the police, talk to your car accident attorney in Atlanta. Ask the professional what information you should share with the police and your insurance company.

Step 6: Document Everything

Take car accident scene photos. Note down the name and badge number of responding officers. Ask the police to provide a copy of the accident report. Write down the name and contact details of all parties involved (the other driver and their passengers) and witnesses.

Step 7: Call Your Insurer

Inform your insurer about the accident. Follow their instructions to get the claim process started.

The Hurt 911 Injury Centers is a platform that connects personal injury victims to personal injury attorneys and personal injury doctors in Atlanta. We are a mission-driven company. We are committed to helping personal injury victims find the right attorney. To discuss your requirement, call 1-800-487-8911