Being in an accident is a stressful situation, no matter who you are. Once the chaos ensues, it is difficult to keep track of any details that may need to be taken care of to ensure that you, your family and your possessions are taken care of. Here are a few basic tips on how you may want to go through the post-accident process:
1. Assess the damage and injury – The first and foremost thing you should do if you have been in an accident is to check for any injuries, both on yourself and your passengers. Once this has been established, the necessary precautions can be made, such as calling an ambulance, etc. Check the damage on your vehicle and any other area that may have been affected.
2. Collect information – If there are any other parties involved in the accident, make sure to collect all of their personal information, such as ID number, phone number, name, insurance number, etc. This will help you to both file the police report and safeguard yourself from being held responsible for all damages if the other party cannot be reached or held accountable. Get a detailed description of their vehicle, license plate number, damages and anything else you feel may be added to the police report.
3. File a report at the nearest police station – It is important that you go to the nearest police station, and if you cannot get there, call the station and request that they send over an officer. This must be done for various reasons, including insurance claims and any criminal charges that may need to be filed. It is also important to remember that you must ONLY speak about the accident to the police officials. Do not discuss it with onlookers at the scene, as this may go some way towards swaying opinion and creating bias.
4. Call your insurance company – Once you have received a case number from the police report you have filed, or before, depending on your circumstances, make sure to call your insurance company. They will be able to help you to evaluate the situation, provide assistance, etc. It is also important to remember NOT to allow any towing company that has not been sent by your insurance company. This may put you in danger of scams or other issues related to your insurance cover and procedures that need to be followed.
Written by Wesley Geyer (Creative Writer - ATKA Online)