5 Steps You Must Take After a Car Crash

5 Steps You Must Take After a Car Crash

If you have been involved in a car crash, it can be very difficult to think clearly. Knowing what to do next is a challenge, as you are going to be in a state of shock. This is why it is important to be prepared. By learning about this information in advance, you can ensure you take the necessary steps to handle everything correctly. So, let’s take a look at the immediate steps to take after a road traffic accident:

1. Pull Over – Of course, depending on the nature of the crash, pulling over may not be an option. Nonetheless, if you can, make sure you get the vehicle out of the way of any oncoming traffic, as this can be a huge safety hazard. Make sure you then switch your vehicle’s engine off, and turn your hazard lights on. This is important for all car accidents so that other drivers on the road are aware of the incident.
2. Call the Police – Calling the police is not applicable in all cases. This is where a bit of common sense comes into play. If someone has been hurt, call the police and an ambulance if required. If foul play was involved or the accident is blocking the road, again, call the police. However, if the crash has been a minor, accidental one, and all vehicles are out of the way, you don’t need to trouble the emergency services with the accident.
3. Giving and Collecting Details – Next, you need to give your name and address to anyone else that was involved in the crash. However, please be careful regarding what you say at this point. Saying too much could hurt your chances if you are planning on making a claim. You should definitely not accept blame for the accident until you know exactly what has happened. You will also need to collect the names of the other drivers involved, their address, contact information, and details regarding the make, model, and registration plate of the vehicle. If any witnesses saw the accident, get their contact information too. Witness statements can help you to strengthen your compensation case.
4. Take Photographs – Take photographs of the scene. Again, this is a great way of building evidence if it comes to making a case.
5. Get Roadside Assistance – If your car is in no state to drive, you will need road assistance. Choose a company that offers an emergency service, ensuring you and your vehicle are assisted to at any time of the day.
6. Contact Your Insurer – Last but not least, it is important to get in touch with your insurance company as soon as possible to tell them about the accident. If you do not do this, you could end up with a large bill to pay because you may not have adhered to the time limits set in your policy. You should also carefully check the wording in your insurance plan before proceeding with anything. Whether you want to make a claim or not, you still need to call your insurer.