What Should You Do After a Car Accident?

Aug 11, 2020 11:35 AM EDT | Staff Reporter

Traffic accident - one driver on the mobile phone second expressing anger


(Photo : Bigstock)

A car accident can happen at any time and it is important for everyone to be prepared. When you get behind the wheel of a car, you probably do everything in your power to place the safety of yourself and those around you at the top of your priority list. On the other hand, an accident can still take place and it might not even be your fault. If an accident takes place, you need to know what to do next.

The first thing you need to do following a serious motor vehicle collision is remain calm. Take a few deep breaths and take a look at the situation. Then, assess your situation as well as the situation of those around you. If you think you can do so safely, exit the vehicle. Then, look for other vehicles that might have been involved. Make sure that anyone in these vehicles is okay as well.

After this, call 911. Even if you think the accident was small, you still need to ask for emergency personnel to arrive on the scene. When you speak to the dispatcher, make sure that you let him or her know that a car accident has taken place. This will get trained police officers to arrive on the scene, where they can write up a report. If the accident is not your fault, then you need to get the insurance information of the other driver. You need to use this file to a claim with the insurance company of the other driver so that the cost of your damages (or the cost to replace your vehicle) can be covered by the policy of the other driver. By law, everyone has to have car insurance in order to operate a motor vehicle.

Finally, you also need to make sure that you get checked out by trained medical professionals. There are a lot of injuries that might take place in a motor vehicle accident. This could include bone fractures, a neck injury, or even a traumatic brain injury. Even though you might feel fine, you also might have injuries that you might miss due to the adrenaline that is flowing through your body. This is why you always need to see a doctor. That way, if there is anything emergent, you can get it treated as quickly as possible. If you have injuries, it might take a while for them to heal.

It will take you a while to recover from your accident; however, the good news is that you don't have to go through this process alone. It is normal to have a few jitters after you get back behind the wheel of a car for the first time following a car accident. Rely on your family members, friends, and trained professionals to help you. Car accidents happen all the time, which is why there is an entire industry dedicated to helping people recover quickly. There is no shame in asking for help.

  

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