Okay, you’ve gotten into a car accident. Now what? With all the stress that comes with an event like this, it is easy to forget important steps or actions you can take to make this process as painless as possible. Below, I will list six steps you should take in the event of a car accident.
Step 1: Assess the situation and determine safety. If this is a minor accident, move your car to a safe area to carry out the next steps. If there are serious injuries, immediately call emergency services.
Step 2: Turn off your car or put your hazard lights on. This should be done in a safe area, allowing you to execute the following steps.
Step 3: Check yourself, passengers, and members of the other party for injury. Now is the time to determine if emergency medical services are necessary. Your health and the health of others is a priority.
Step 4: Collect and exchange information. At this time, you should take pictures of the cars and exchange the following information:
- Name
- Insurance
- Driver’s license
- License place number
- Make and model of vehicle
*Important tips- Remain courteous, but do not admit fault. Do not accept immediate compensation.*
Step 5: Call 911. Even if there are no injuries, it is important to have an officer completing a police report of the accident. Police reports will be able to detail the accident and are necessary for insurance purposes. (Not to mention, having an officer at the scene should help all parties remain calm and agreeable.)
Step 6: Contact and notify your insurance agent or company. It is imperative you inform your insurance agent of the accident as soon as possible. Speaking with your agent will help you navigate what your next steps should be, if you should file a claim, etc.
Whether you are a new driver, or seasoned behind the wheel, a car accident can cause stress and confusion. By following these six simple steps, you can minimize the grief and hassles that come with accidents.
Contact me for an auto insurance quote! Call me at (612) 440-1306 or email me at info@agentminsurance.com!
