The car accident scene is a stressful situation for everyone involved. Emotions run high and it can be hard to keep your composure. There are certain things that everyone should know about what to do and how to act after being involved in a collision.
Steps to follow at the scene of an accident:
- Make Sure everyone is ok
Safety is the number one priority. Make sure everyone in your vehicle is okay. Call 911 to inform them you have been involved in a collision and need assistance. Even if no one appears to be injured, it is in your best interest to have the policy aid you at the scene. The police report is critical in determining liability (who is at fault) no matter how minor the accident may appear.
- Remain in your vehicle
It is important that you remain in your vehicle for at least a few minutes because:
- You may be injured and not be aware of it
- If you are injured, you could aggravate your injury by walking around
- You appear to witnesses and others as perfectly healthy which they may inform the insurance company when the adjuster inquires about your condition.
Remember, only a Doctor or paramedic can truly diagnose an injury. You may be in shock and not feel the pain. You may not even feel pain from the accident for days after the accident. Walking around like nothing is wrong at the scene of the accident sends the message to witnesses and the other parties involved in the accident that nothing is wrong with you when that may not be the case.
If you are positive you are not injured, you may exit your vehicle.
- Secure the accident area
Hazard lights and road flares can be used to alert traffic of the situation that they should use caution while passing.
- Collect witness information
Write down phone numbers and addresses of anyone that witnessed the accident. This includes the other driver and passengers in all vehicles involved.
- Do not discuss the accident with the other driver or any witnesses
Remember that anything you say at the scene of an accident can be used against you when determining liability. You may inquire if the other persons involved are okay and if they need medical assistance, but do not under any circumstances say the words "I'm sorry", "I feel so bad", "I apologize" or anything that may admit fault. Only discuss the accident with the police.
- Take Pictures before the policy arrive
You should always carry a disposable camera in your vehicle. A camera phone may be used as well. You want to take pictures of the accident from every angle and include the impact location, any skid marks, how and where the vehicles ended up after the accident, street signs, street lines, and any other surroundings that may be helpful in determining how the accident occurred.
You want to be sure and finish before the police arrive as to not appear as though you have been through this process a thousand times and know the drill. The police may become suspicious and you don't want the police report to reflect odd behavior.
- Don't trust anyone
It is important to take caution in yours and others actions at the scene. Make sure you get the other drivers contact and insurance information, including their address and phone number. If you have a cell phone, call the number they give you to make sure it is valid.
Do not take the other drivers word if they promise to pay for the damages if you don't involve their insurance or the police. You'll be surprised how easily they disappear without keeping their word.
- Do not accept a bribe or payoff
Many times a driver will offer you money to not contact the authorities or insurance companies. You need to let the insurance company handle all appraisals and evaluations. No one can know how much it will cost to repair a vehicle without a proper estimate from a body shop.
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