Even the most responsible drivers may find themselves involved in a car accident at some point. This is especially true if you encounter a careless driver on the road, whose actions may create unsafe conditions.
No matter what occurs, taking the right steps after a car crash is crucial to maintaining your best interests. Here are a few things you should do in the aftermath.
Check for injuries
Before taking any other action, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Even minor injuries require medical attention, specifically to ensure that more serious damage has not occurred. If you and your passengers have no injuries, focus on getting your vehicle to a safe area. If it is not possible to park on the street or in a parking lot, move as far as you can to the side of the road.
Contact the police
Even if there are no injuries after the accident, having a police presence on the scene is often beneficial. Police officers can redirect traffic around the accident site until the tow truck arrives. They will also assess the scene to create a police report, which is helpful when it comes to insurance matters. Be sure to ask the office for a copy of the report when it is complete.
Speak with witnesses
After speaking with the police, look for any bystanders on the scene. Ask if these people will give their contact information in order to provide a statement to the insurance company. Much like police reports, witness statements benefit accident cases by providing an unbiased version of events.
You can also gather information in other ways. For example, pictures of vehicle damage can provide insight into how the accident occurred. You can also take photos of any road conditions that might have contributed, such as cracked pavement and obscured street signs.