No one likes planning for the worst, but it's always wise to be prepared. Here's what you need to do in the unfortunate event that you're involved in any kind of motor vehicle accident.
Stay calm. If you're able, get out of traffic and find a safe place to wait for help to arrive. Take deep breaths and accept help from bystanders.
Do not admit fault. Do not discuss the car accident with anyone other than the police and your claims representative.
Make sure you and your passengers are okay. Move as far off the roadway as possible but stay at the scene of the accident. Warn oncoming traffic by activating your hazard warning lights.
Call the police. Call 911 or the appropriate emergency number to report the accident.
Gather information and witnesses. Here is what you'll need: driver's license information, insurance policy information, license plate numbers, and names and contact information of the driver and witnesses.
Take photos. Take photos of the crash scene, the people and vehicles involved, and the license plate(s).
Never refuse medical treatment. Never refuse assistance from a paramedic or EMT. You may not realize that you're injured since your adrenaline is elevated in the aftermath of a crash.
Contact us to report the claim. The sooner we know about the accident, the sooner we can start working to resolve your claim.
Hopefully, we never see a claim from you regarding an accident. However, it never hurts to be prepared to take the right steps toward safety and resolution.