First Steps to Take Immediately After a Car Accident

No one can really, truly prepare for the shock of a car accident. Whether it’s a simple fender-bender or a more serious accident, the shock and surprise in the immediately aftermath can send anyone’s mind scrambling. After ensuring that you, your passengers, and other drivers involved are safe and receiving proper medical attention, be sure to follow these steps to deal with the accident in the moments that follow.

Contact the Police

No matter how severe the accident, you should file a police report with responding officers. This will help sort out disputes that may arise down the road and negate any conflicting information between you and the other drivers when it comes time to settle up with the insurance companies. They’ll interview each driver separately and speak with witnesses, but the more information you can give them, the better. Be sure to take accurate notes to the best of your recollection and pictures of the damage, the scene, and every license plate in addition to writing it all down.

Exchange Contact Information with Other Drivers

It’s important you get current contact information from each driver involved and any witnesses that saw the accident first-hand. If possible, get their names, phone numbers, current addresses, driver’s license numbers, license plate information, and insurance information from everyone. Remember, when communicating with other drivers, the exchanges may get heated. Try and stay calm and remember to never apologize for the accident – in doing so, you may be admitting liability for the accident even if you weren’t the one at fault.

Inform Your Insurance Company

Be sure to quickly contact your insurance company and explain the situation. Tell them the truth to the best of your ability and concentrate on facts rather than fault. Withholding information from your insurance company can land you in serious trouble. The police report will be your best resource in finding who’s at fault and if any traffic laws were broken that caused the accident.

Repair the Damage

To get your car back on the road and in safe, working condition, you’ll need reliable auto body repair work. If you’re in the eastern Washington area and in need of emergency or schedule repairs to your vehicle, Interstate Auto Body and Truck is the top resource for sandblasting, fiberglass work, RV repair, and auto body repair on cars and trucks no matter the scale of the damage.

Contact Interstate Auto Body and Truck today to discuss your vehicle repair needs and if you qualify for insurance repair work.

Image source, labelled for reuse