Regardless of fault, being in a car accident can be extremely stressful. That’s why it’s important to know the proper steps before an accident actually occurs. Even if there are no major injuries, you may be faced with significant property damages or disputes about who exactly is to blame. To ensure you have the right information, Esurance offers the following advice.
Get your vehicle to a safe area
Try to get your vehicle off the road when possible. This will prevent further damage or injuries from occurring. If you can’t move your vehicle, set up warning signals for other motorists to alert them of your presence. This includes warning triangles or flares, which should be set up a safe distance from the crash site so other motorists have time to slow down.
Call the police
It goes without saying that if there any injuries, emergency personnel should be summoned right away. You should still call the police even if no injuries have been sustained. The police will compile an accident report, which can be useful to determine fault. The police report can also help you should choose to file a lawsuit down the line. When speaking the police, answer questions honestly but refrain from providing too much information, as this can be used to assess blame.
Take notes
While you’re waiting for the police to arrive, take down some notes about what occurred. This includes the contact information of other vehicles involved, where the accident took place, the time of day, any road hazards that may have contributed to the incident, and information on any bystanders that witnessed what occurred. If possible, take pictures of your vehicle and any damage sustained. Photographic evidence can sometimes help determine who was at fault.