What to do when you get in a car accident
If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, it is important that the police are contacted in order to establish a written accident report. Regardless of whether anyone is injured, an accident report will help the insurance companies to determine who is at fault for the accident. Be sure to gather all of the other driver’s information, such as the make and model of their car, tag number, vehicle identification number, and insurance information. Don’t be afraid to take pictures, draw diagrams, and conduct interviews of people involved and witnesses. It is then important that you contact your insurance company to inform them of the accident. The insurance company will then conduct its own investigation of the accident. Contacting the insurance company of the person who caused the damage is also an option, although the other insurance company may want to take a recorded statement from you, which you do not have to agree to. Try to write down as much information about the accident as you can remember, including details on how it happened. All of the information you are able to gather will prove to be a great help as you work to resolve the accident.
It is possible that a driver may not be at fault for every accident that happens. Automobile defects, highway signs, construction, faulty roads or highway designs, inadequate lighting, or out of order traffic lights may be to blame. Automobile companies as well as the government can even be at fault for causing automobile accidents.
After an accident has occurred, see your family physician to make sure that you do not have any resulting medical injuries. If you do in fact have injuries at the time of the accident that require immediate care, go to your local emergency room. Be sure to tell the doctor everything that may be causing you pain and remember that what you say will be documented in your medical records. Keep track of all medical personnel that you visit and the procedures and tests that are conducted, such as x-rays. In addition to getting a medical check up, you will want to take your vehicle to a reputable body shop for estimates on repairs.
