This blog post was created by Isaacs & Isaacs, attorneys in Indiana, Illinois & Kentucky.
Following a car accident all parties involved may feel disoriented or panicked. Make sound decisions with clarity after a collision by keeping this list of essential next steps in your glovebox. Our free PDF printout will guide you through important tasks should you cause or be part of an accident.
Review these common questions following a collision to be best equipped for trouble on the road.
What do I do after a car accident?
According to the Bureau of Transportation, there are over 6 million car accidents in the United States every year. Even the most careful drivers are involved in car accidents. After being an accident, you may feel shocked, dizzy or upset. It is important to take a deep breath, remain calm and focus on the next steps. We’ve provided a downloadable car accident checklist so that you and your loved ones will always be prepared.
If you’ve been in an accident, contact Solo Insurance® or your insurance company to get the claims information on file a as soon as possible.
Should I move my vehicle after a collision?
If you are involved in a simple fender bender that does not include any injuries, then yes, it’s best to move your vehicle to the side of the road. However, when injuries occur, you’ll want to make sure that important evidence does not get lost with the move. This evidence may ultimately decide the monetary damages you are able to recover for your injuries, lost wages, medical fees, and pain and suffering.
The moment your vehicle moves from the scene of the accident, evidence begins to disappear. When possible, leave your vehicle in the place it came to rest, and carefully exit the vehicle if you are able. If you are in danger of being hit or are in a hazardous traffic route move your vehicle to safety.
Who do I call first?
It’s common for the paramedics, police and other involved entities to arrive at the scene of a collision. When injuries exist, your first call should always be to 911 so that an emergency response team can arrive with important medical help. In most states, where injuries and significant damage exists, you are required to call the police within 72 hours of the incident, even if no emergency services were deemed necessary.
Keep in mind that police officers are record keepers. They will detail an official report of the collision, take statements from witnesses and include evidence and accounts from all involved parties. Personal injury attorney Darryl Isaacs notes that a police report can be essential to establishing fault in the accident. Solo Insurance® would add that the report with your accident scene pictures can go a long way in establishing the truth of the situation.
Contact Solo Insurance® for more information about car insurance savings or to get a quote.
Take responsibility for gathering evidence if you can.
If you or a loved one is badly injured, your priority is health. You’ll need to rely on the assistance of police and investigators working on a possible injury claim to uncover the full details and evidence of the accident. However, if you are not severely injured and you have the option to gather evidence, it’s a very critical step. Pictures are important. It will be more difficult with each passing moment after you and the vehicles are removed from the scene of the accident.
What information should I gather after an accident?
You’ll want to gather essential identifying information from each individual involved in the accident, along with any witnesses. This includes:
· Drivers, Passengers: make sure you get a name, phone number, Driver’s License number and Insurance Policy number for each party involved. Don’t forget to gather contact info for witnesses also.
· Vehicles Involved: You’ll need to identify the car by make, model and year if possible, along with the license plate number of each vehicle.
· Record Your Location: Record the cross streets and city where the accident occurred, as well as the direction the vehicles involved were traveling.
Nothing beats photo and video evidence from the scene.
The best thing you can do to help yourself after an accident is to record every detail. Start a video on your phone and don’t stop until you’ve captured footage of vehicle damage, the scene of the accident, skid marks on the road, any damaged property and any identifying signs verifying your location.
Memories change and fade quickly with time. If you’re able, use this recording to give your first-hand account of what happened, in your own words. Although it’s possible you may not have all the details, it’s still a vital practice to have your firsthand account as soon as possible after a car accident. You’ll have to go through this drill no matter what when you file an injury claim, so this is the best time if safety and health permits.
Contact Your Agent or Insurance Company
You’ll want to notify your insurance company soon after an accident to begin a claim of injury. Gather your questions and document everything. The claims number is on your insurance card.
Contact Solo Insurance® to get your important questions answered. Begin filing your claim the day it happens.
The downloadable car accident checklist is available here
or here: Car-Accident-Checklist isaacs & isaacs.pdf
We recommend storing it in your glove compartment to always be prepared for any scenario
Contact Solo Insurance® for more information about car insurance savings or to get a quote.