10 Important Things to Do After a Car Accident
While nobody plans to be involved in car accidents, they can happen to anyone and at any time. When they do, it’s crucial to prioritise safety above all else. Apart from that, there are several other things you need to do after a collision to ensure your well-being and protect your legal and financial interests. This can include seeking medical attention, arranging repairs for your car, and finding a reliable car parts supplier in New Zealand for replacements. You also need to reach out to your insurance provider and report the incident.
If you want to cover all your bases, follow these essential steps after a car accident:
Stay Calm
Emotions can run high after an intense event like a car accident. You may feel stressed, panicked, and dazed. Regardless of what has happened, the very first thing you need to do is try to remain as calm and composed as you can. Take deep breaths until your mind settles. Calming down can help you be more objective and make the right choices.
Assess the Situation
Once you feel calmer, start assessing the situation. Begin by checking yourself and your passengers for injuries, and then evaluate the extent of damage to the vehicles and any properties involved. If anyone is injured, prioritise getting them the necessary medical attention.
Move to a Safe Location
After assessing your injuries and the damage incurred, see if it’s safe to move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid obstructing traffic. This also helps prevent further accidents and ensures everyone’s safety. However, if moving the vehicle is not possible or unsafe, get yourself and your passengers to a safe location. Preferably, move somewhere that’s away from oncoming traffic. Additionally, turn on your vehicle’s hazard lights and set up emergency triangles to alert other drivers about the accident.
Contact Emergency Services
If anyone is injured or if there’s significant damage to your vehicle, call emergency services immediately. Provide them with your location and a brief description of the situation. Try to be concise when you report the accident or related issues, so that help can arrive more quickly.
Even if there are no serious injuries, you still need to report the accident to the police. Their assistance will be valuable, particularly if the accident involves significant damage or there is a dispute between parties. Ideally, report the incident no later than 24 hours from the time of the collision.
Exchange Driver Information
Once you've ensured everyone's safety, exchange information with the other parties involved in the accident. Be sure to take note of the other drivers’ names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance details. Additionally, take photos of driver's licences, vehicle registrations, and licence plates for documentation purposes. If there are any witnesses to the accident, obtain their contact information as well. Their statement may be valuable when you need to file an insurance claim.
Apart from asking for the other parties’ contact details, you’re also required to give your contact information to the other driver.
Document the Scene
It's crucial to document the accident scene is crucial for insurance claims and legal purposes. Take photos of the vehicles involved, including their positions and any visible damage. Make sure to capture images of relevant road signs, traffic lights, and road conditions that may have contributed to the accident. If your car has a dash camera installed, check and save the recordings.
You can also make notes about the weather conditions and any other factors that could have played a part in the accident.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you or your passengers don't appear to be seriously injured, seek medical attention after a car accident. Remember that adrenaline rush can mask pain and some injuries, such as whiplash or internal trauma, may not manifest symptoms immediately. Getting checked by a healthcare professional who can perform a thorough evaluation and promptly address any injuries is important.
Notify Your Insurance Provider
It’s crucial to contact your insurance provider and report the accident as soon as possible to help expedite the claims process. When you talk to your insurance provider, give them accurate and detailed information about the incident. Be prepared to answer questions about the circumstances surrounding the accident and provide any documentation or evidence you have collected.
Keep Documents Related to the Car Accident
After the accident, make sure to keep all documentation related to the accident, including medical records, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurance companies. These documents are important when proving damages.
Follow Up and Seek Legal Advice (if necessary)
If you need to follow up on medical treatment to ensure a full recovery, do so; the same goes for your vehicle. See to it that all necessary repairs are in order and then check after a couple of weeks if they hold or if there are problems that belatedly show up.
In case you encounter difficulties with your insurance claim or face liability disputes, consider seeking legal advice from a qualified professional. They can help protect your rights and navigate the claims process effectively.
It’s unfortunate to get involved in a car accident. However, being aware of what to do right after the incident can ensure the safety of everyone involved. It can also help you navigate the aftermath of a car accident confidently. Regardless of the details of the accident, prioritise safety and never hesitate to seek help if needed.