This is a collaborative post: No one ever expects to be involved in a car accident and it can happen at any time. But if it happened to you today, would you know what to do? Many people say they would but it’s always best to be prepared!
Taking the correct steps after a car accident can stop a bad situation from getting worse.
- Stop the car
The most crucial point of a car accident is after it just happens. You should always stop your car and never leave the scene, no matter how minor you think the accident is. It is an offence for a driver of a vehicle to fail to stop after an accident under The Road Traffic Act 1988. You should then switch off the engine and turn your hazards on to alert other road users.
- Check for any injuries
You should first check yourself and any other passengers for any injuries before you attempt to get out the car. If anyone in your vehicle need any medical attention, you should then call 999 and alert the ambulance service and the police.
- Get out of the car
You should get out of the car when it is safe to do so and if injuries allow it. You should then check on any other people involved for injuries and call an ambulance if you need to do so. Take any passengers and yourself to a safe location away from the car.
- Take photos of the scene
You should take photos of the scene if you need to use them as evidence in an insurance claim. This helps preserve key details of the incident, such as vehicle registrations, damage, and surroundings. Make sure to note the time, date, and driving conditions, including weather, lighting, and road surface. These records can be valuable later if you decide to consult a Personal Injury Lawyer Las Vegas or those in the local area, for legal advice or assistance with your claim.
- Don’t apologise
It may be second nature to say sorry during an accident, but it can also cause you problems. Admitting guilt can leave you liable for repairs and it can be used against you if you need to make a claim. Some cheap car insurance policies also state that you can’t admit guilt at the scene of an accident. However, if you know you weren’t in the wrong, you should always stay calm and not make the situation worse.
- Exchange details
Legally, there are a few details you must give at the scene of an incident. This includes: your name and address, your insurance details, your contact details, your driving license number and vehicle registration. You should also remember to get these details from others involved too.
- Report the incident to your insurance company
You should tell your insurance company about any incidents straight away, even if you aren’t looking to make a car insurance claim. Many people tend to report the incident to their insurance company while they are at the scene. This can be really helpful to remember everything that happened whilst its fresh in your mind. Insurance companies can liaise between you and the other invoiced to pay for any damages and insurance claims.
What if my car is written off after an accident?
In serious car accidents your vehicle may be written off. If your vehicle is written off this means that the car is no longer road worthy. The ownership is transferred to the insurance company who will give you a payout in compensation. If you need a car in a hurry, you may consider getting a car on finance or using the payout money to buy another car with cash. If your car that was written off was bought on finance, you may receive a payout that is lower than you owe the finance company, which can mean you will be paying off a car which you no longer own.