A car accident can happen very quickly, whether you're at fault or another driver, it's important to know what do if you've been in an accident.
Here's how you can prepare for the worst:
Straight after the accident
Stop the car as soon as possible, turn off the engine and put your hazard lights on to warn other vehicles. It's normal to be shaken up after an accident so make sure to take time to calm down and make sure that you are unharmed, as well as any other passengers that are in the car with you. If there are no injuries, make a note of it to prevent any potential injury claims later. Don't apologise or admit any responsibility until you are completely aware of what happened and how it happened. The shock of the incident may lead you to taking responsibility. This will protect you from any liability if it was not your fault. If anyone is hurt, or the road is being blocked due to the accident, call the police and ambulance immediately.
Exchange details
Make sure to exchange your name and address with everyone involved if the accident involved another car or person and caused damage or injury. You should swap insurance information and details with the other driver. It's important to note and take down details of any other passengers and witnesses to the accident too. Find out if the other driver owns the vehicle, if they don't, you should try to get the owner's details too. After the accident you should report the incident.
Some helpful details you should try get at the scene of the accident:
- The make, model and color of the car/ cars involved in the incident (take pictures if possible)
- The license plate of the car
- The time and date of the crash
- The weather conditions and road/ driving conditions (such as a bumpy road or if it was wet and raining)
- The damage that has been caused to all the cars involved (try to be as specific and detailed as possible)
- Any harm caused to drivers, passengers, or pedestrians
- Name and contact details of driver (as well as identity number and driving license)
- Names and contact details of witnesses / passengers
If the accident does not involve anyone else, such as crashing it into a stationary vehicle or private property, make sure to leave your contact details where they can see it and report the incident. If a witness or CCTV camera recorded the accident and you did not report it, it can lead to serious trouble.
Make a claim
Phone your insurance company as soon as possible. You will need to provide the following details:
- Your policy number or personal information
- The registration numbers of the cars involved
- The driver's name, address, and phone number
- The other driver's insurance details if you have them
It's important to take your car to a repair shop for an inspection and to repair any damage that was caused. This way you can assess the severity of the accident and pick up any underlying issues you may have missed. It's also important to get your car fixed as quickly as possible to ensure you get back onto the road safely.
Book your car in for a collision repair at db Orlando Collision Inc. today!