Car crashes happen every day. You think it won’t happen to you, but it’s too hard to predict how other drivers will behave on the road.
Upwards of 50 million people are injured in car crashes every year around the world. You aren’t as safe as you think.
Things can get hectic after a car crash, and it may be hard to think through things clearly. This makes it even more important to make sure you do everything you can to take care of yourself.
Follow the steps below after your first car crash to make sure you’re covered.
1. Check for Injuries
Car accidents are traumatic and can cause a surge of adrenaline. This can make it difficult to notice any injuries that you have.
Before anything, make sure you aren’t injured.
2. Move to Safety
If the accident happens in the middle of the road, you need to get to a safe area if possible. Move to the side of the road and put on your blinkers so other drivers know to be careful when driving by.
3. Call 911
If the damage is small, you may be able to resolve things with the other driver. If there is significant damage and you can’t come to an agreement, you’ll need to call the police.
They will fill out a police report that you can send to your insurance company.
If there are any injuries, you’ll need to call for an ambulance so the injured can be treated.
4. Document Everything
If you want your insurance claim to go smoothly, you’ll need to gather as much information as you can.
Exchange contact information with the other driver, take pictures, and get all documents needed for the claim. The more you have, the easier it will be to prove your case.
5. Call Your Insurance Company
Once you have all the information you need, you need to notify your insurance company. You will need to provide them with all the relevant information and indicate who’s at fault.
Once they have your information, your agent will tell you the next steps in the claim process.
6. See a Doctor
Even if there are no signs of injury at the accident scene, it doesn’t mean you don’t have any injuries. Some problems may not appear until days after the accident.
Even a minor fender bender can cause an injury. Whiplash is easy to get. Make sure you have a car accident doctor check for anything that could be wrong.
7. Make Your Insurance Claim
Once you settle everything above, it’s time to decide whether or not you will file a claim. When filing an insurance claim, you must also keep in mind that there’s a good chance that it may get denied. And that can add a toll on your financial situation. In that case, it would be best to seek legal assistance from attorneys who are well-versed in related laws. You can click here to learn more about how they can maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation for all your losses.
Take Your First Car Crash Seriously
It doesn’t matter how small your first car crash is. You need to make sure you take it seriously. You never know what damage is done, so make sure you take the proper precautions so nothing will catch you by surprise. Check these nissan auto body if you need it.
If you’ve been injured by a crash and are looking for health tips that can help, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading our blog to find our latest health advice.