7 things you need to do after a car accident

(Source:https://carfromjapan.com/article/car-maintenance/how-to-flush-ac-system-after-compressor-failure/)

A car accident can happen in the blink of an eye, either by your hand or the hand of another person. Accidents can be quite tricky to navigate around both financially and legally depending on the extent of the damage. It is important to stay calm and take the necessary steps to resolve the issue.

Here are 7 things you need to know to be prepared in the event of an accident.

1. Stop

When your vehicle has been hit, stop the car and turn on the hazard lights. This is the most important thing you need to remember when involved in an accident as driving away can only cause more trouble. It is an offense to drive off in the event of an accident.
Check yourself and other passengers for injuries, if you are not injured move the vehicle to the side of the road if possible. If your vehicle has been badly damaged and therefore unable to move switch on the hazard lights to notify other drivers and prevent unnecessary traffic.

2. Call the police

If things cannot be resolved with the other driver involved in the accident always contact the police. It is important to file a case with the police. Also, your insurance provider may require a police report to help with the insurance claim process.

3. Accurate statement

Tell the investigating officer exactly what happened; if you are finding it difficult to recall what happened tell that to the officer. Do not make any guesses or misstate any information regarding the accident despite if it was your fault or not. If you are not sure if you have sustained any injuries, state that to the officer instead of answering no as certain car accident injuries can manifest later on. Make sure that everyone else involved provides an accurate statement as well.
Request for a copy of the official police statement as your insurance provider may need it.

4. Exchange information

You will need to talk to the other driver and exchange contact and insurance information, avoid blaming the other person or discussing each other’s faults. The agent reviewing your insurance claim will determine who caused the accident when inspecting the damages, police reports and any information given by you and everyone involved.

5. Photos

Make sure to take photos of the damages caused to your vehicle and the other vehicles involved in the accident. It is important to have your photo evidence even though your insurance agent will most likely take photos as well.

6. Seek medical attention

If anyone involved in the accident is seriously injured contact emergency services if you are unable to do so seek help from a passerby. Even if it is a minor accident you could have sustained an injury to your spine or other body parts, therefore it is important to get yourself medically checked. If you feel dazed or blacked out for a few minutes it could be because you suffered a concussion, in that case immediately go to a doctor.

7. Notifying your insurance provider

Report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible, immediately reporting the accident would be best. Once the insurance agent arrives on the scene fully cooperate with them and provide them with all the information they need.

Check with your insurance company to see if they provide medical benefits as well. Some insurance companies include medical coverage for accidents. If you or any passengers have sustained any injuries you can claim this benefit.

Bonus tip: you could also consult your attorney, as they will make sure that your rights are protected and any evidence is not destroyed. They can also advise you on how to deal with the insurance company and how to provide them with a statement. An attorney can also help make sure you are fully compensated for the damages on your vehicle.

The adrenaline rush you get after an accident can cause you to panic and you won’t be able to think straight and make quick logical decisions. However, knowing this set of steps can help you be prepared in the event of one.

If you’re in the car rental business and own a fleet of vehicles, Our vehicle rental software could help you keep track of dents, scratches, accidents and repairs with diagrams and photos.

Drive safe, from all of us at Navotar.