No matter how safe a driver you are, you may find yourself involved in an accident at some point. Car accidents are often quite stressful, especially when major injuries and property damage play a role.
That is why all motorists must know what to do after a car accident occurs. Here are a few steps you can take to navigate the issue.
Make safety a top priority
If you or a passenger sustained an injury, call for help immediately. If there are no injuries, try to move your vehicle out of the way of traffic. On the highway, pull over on the shoulder as far as you can. When on the street, try to pull into a parking space or lot when available. If you can do so safely, use flares or warning triangles to alert other drivers.
Contact the police
It is always a good idea to call the police after an accident, even if there are no injuries. The police can help redirect traffic around the crash site to prevent other accidents from occurring. They will also create a police report, which can help when you are filing an accident claim.
Exchange information with others
Exchanging insurance information with other drivers ensures you can report the accident in a timely manner. You should also ask any witnesses on the scene if they are willing to give a statement. Finally, ask the police office creating the accident report for information on getting a copy for yourself.
Be careful about what you say when exchanging information with other drivers. Remain polite and civil but refrain from saying too much. Even an innocent apology can seem like an admission of guilt, which can affect the outcome of your insurance claim.