Car accidents leave drivers dazed and confused by the roadside every day. The visceral experience is a massive shock to the system – no matter how minor the accident may be. In the immediate aftermath, you’ll be forgiven if you don’t exactly have a step-by-step plan of what you need to do next, prepped and ready to go.
This is especially true because, at first glance, it seems like a complicated process. You’ll need to prioritise your physical and mental health, contact insurance brokers, and, if need be, be involved in a legal process that involves remaining in contact with a law firm, like Bond Turner.
But honestly, it isn’t anywhere near as complex as it appears to be. In this article, I’m going to take you through a step-by-step plan of exactly what you need to do if you’ve just been involved in a car accident. So, without any further ado, let’s dive in.
Step 1: Collect Evidence
In the immediate aftermath of a car accident, bear in mind that you should still prioritise your own health above all else. The following section only applies to those who are able-bodied following the accident.
You’ll thank yourself later for collecting certain pieces of evidence from the scene of the accident. Some are basic and easy to gather, while others require extra effort.
- Make a note of the date and the exact time at which the accident took place.
- Write down a description of the accident, including the weather conditions, your actions, and those of any other drivers involved.
- Take photos and videos of the damage that has been done to your vehicle, and of any other cars that were involved.
- Gather eye-witness accounts from passersby who saw what happened.
- IF other drivers were involved in the accident, exchange insurance details and contact information, as well as noting the make and model of their car, as well as license plate.
Whatever you do, do not flee the scene, as that would be a crime.
Step 2: Seek Medical Attention
Having an injury is a common outcome of car accidents, even if they may not be apparent right away. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may need to call an ambulance, go to the hospital, or contact your GP just after the accident occurs.
Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Provider
It is essential that your insurer knows about the accident and what happened as soon as possible. Most policies require drivers to contact their insurers within 24 hours of having an accident. If you are claiming, your insurer will likely request the evidence that you recovered from the scene of the accident before taking care of the rest.
Step 4: Get Legal Support
Getting legal support might not be essential for your case, especially for smaller accidents that don’t cause any injuries. But if your accident has led to serious injuries and stress, it’s only natural for you to seek out a safe pair of hands to support you with any ongoing legal processes, typically in the form of personal injury solicitors.