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Whether a driver is careful or not, sometimes car accidents are inevitable.
However, as long as you are in the no-fault position, no one hurts badly, and you have the insurance policy with you, then you should not worry much.
Still, understanding which steps to take when you are involved in an accident can also help protecting you.
Of all the 12 steps, this first step is the most important one.
Most people gets angry or emotional whenever a car accident happens, whether he is at fault or not.
This leads to the person unable to think clearly and sometimes even doing inappropriate actions making the situation worse.
2. Park your car
Always place your car in a safe and visible place after an accident happens to you.If the car is immobilized, the hazard lights can be turn on.
This is to prevent another car accident from the traffic on the road your car is.
Remember to turn off the ignition and take extra caution when exiting your car.
3. Injury Checking
Always check whether anyone is injured.
Do not move an injured person, except if the situation is urgent, such as petrol leaking.
4. Call the police
Always report any injuries to them.
Each country has different police phone number.
For example:
Canada and USA - Dial 911
United Kingdom - Dial 999
Europe - Dial 112
Australia - Dial 000
New Zealand - Dial 111
Japan - Dial 119
5. Write down the details of another vehicle (if involved)
As soon as possible, always write an account of the following:
- Driver’s name
- Driver’s address (contact details)
- Driver’s license number
- Car’s year
- Car’s model
- Car’s license plate number
- Car’s insurer name
If the driver is not the owner of the car, you need to get the name of the owner as well.
In addition, it is also recommended to note down the names and addresses (contact details) of other passengers or witnesses.
If there is a photocopy store nearby, you can also take their license to be copied.
6. Write down the details of the situation
It is also suggested to write down the details of the situation at that time, including but not limited to:
- Driving speed
- Time of day
- Hazard
- Weather
- Road conditions
If a camera is available, you may also take the following pictures:
- Picture of the site
- Traffic light
- Damage prior to the accident
7. Pay extra attention to minor accident
This includes hidden damages and injuries.
Do not agree to forget any minor accidents as his could lead to the person filing a lawsuit against you.
8. Write down the police and emergency personnel details at the scene
You may ask for a copy of the police report for your auto insurance claims.
9. Always Cooperate
Always cooperate, especially with the police and medical personnel in charge at the scene.
Do not admit guilt for the car accident already, as it will be noted in the report, but instead you may reveal how much coverage that you have.
10. Breath Testing
This is especially if you are suspecting the other driver to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
You may ask the police to carry out a breath test on the other driver and yourself.
11. Do not accept money from the other driver
By doing so, you lose the right to make a claim against the other driver.
In addition, in some cases the damages could turn out to be worse than you first thought.
12. Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible
Thus they can assess the situation and amount of money that you can claim.