We recently caught up with Eric Ramos Law to discover 4 vital steps you need to take after a car accident. This is what they said:
“Can’t figure out what to do after you’ve been in a car accident? Take a look at these 4 vital steps that will help you get ahead of the crisis! Once you get that license and your own car, it’s just a different feeling of accomplishment altogether. However, car accidents are very real, and they can happen to anybody. You need to be mentally prepared and know what you have to do after an accident has occurred. You need to calm yourself down and try not to get overwhelmed.
By being prepared beforehand, you can not only help save lives, but you can also reduce the chances of injuries and get your claims processed smoothly and easily. This is where you need to take these 4 vital steps immediately after an accident has taken place. Let’s take a look at them right away.
Evaluate the Damage First
The first and foremost thing you have to do after you have been in an accident is to evaluate the damage. Check if you or anyone else with you in the car is injured. Then check the damage done to your car. It’s always a good idea to stop after an accident has occurred. That way, if you or someone else is seriously injured, you can treat them faster and avoid any major problems.
Your physical condition should be your top priority, so remember to pull over and check yourself. If you are looking for an auto accident lawyer, check online for a few reliable sources.
Call the Police for Serious Accidents
Call the police if someone is gravely injured and needs medical attention right away. Let them know the details of the injuries sustained ASAP. The police will call for an ambulance right away even if they can’t come to the scene.
You can ask for the name and badge number of the officer who wrote your report. They will direct you on how you can get your copy of the report as well.
Make use of Smartphones and the Internet
There is no better time than now to use your smartphone and the internet to your advantage. If you can’t contact law enforcement for some reason, then go to the police station nearest to you or visit their website. You can file an incident report once you get there, or you can report it directly through your phone. It’s best to get all the legal work out of the way first thing.
This report will come in handy if there is greater damage done to your car than you originally thought or if the other driver decided to sue you for medical injuries and damages they might have faced.
Gather as Much Information as You Can
The next step is to take note of the names and contact numbers of the people involved in the accident. Don’t exclude the witnesses! Even their accounts of the incident can help you if there is a very disgruntled driver involved. Oftentimes, the drivers who cause these accidents can be very adamant about placing the blame onto the victims, and this is where the information will prove to be useful.
Ask the driver(s) for the details of their car registration, license, and insurance ID card. Write down the make and model of the cars alongside the location and weather conditions.
Keep a Pen and Paper In Your Car
If you don’t have a pen and paper within your reach, then make use of your smartphone and write down all the information there. However, keep a pen and pad in your glove compartment just in case you lose your smartphone or it gets broken during the accident.
This step will help you in giving an accurate report to the police. It’s wise not to get into a debate with the people involved in the crash regarding who is at fault or how much insurance you have; rather, be calm and note down everything.
Start the Claims Process ASAP
Finally, let your insurance agent know about the accident right away. The longer you wait, the chances are you’ll forget critical details. Nowadays, insurance companies have mobile apps that let you start the claims process right from your smartphone. The apps let you check and report the status of a claim, schedule an appraisal, upload photos, reserve a rental car, check your deductibles, and request reimbursements for towing and glass claims.
Other apps can also let you notify the insurance adjuster by recreating the circumstances and events of the car accident.
Use the Information You Have Gathered
All the information that you gathered will come in handy during the claims process too. You’ll need to share with your insurance company the names, contact information, and titles of those you’ve spoken with. You’ll also receive claim forms that you will need to fill out quickly and as accurately as possible. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions to the claims adjuster.
They also want the claims process to be smooth and efficient. So, stay calm and stick to the facts that you have noted down, and you should be just fine. This is why it’s important to note down the details because it will save you a lot of time and prevent unnecessary calls from your insurance agent!
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, we’d like to emphasize the fact that driving is always a dangerous activity where you never know what might happen. Staying alert and attentive to your surroundings is key. You might be doing everything right, but you can’t say the same for the other drivers who are on the road with you. Maintain the rules, stay in your line, and try not to swear too much at the other drivers!
It’s never an easy situation to be in when there is an accident involved, but by following these 4 vital steps, you can minimize the chaos and handle it the proper way.
And finally, always remember to drive safely!”
