It can be hard to think straight immediately after you have been involved in a car crash. Once you have checked that everyone is okay it is also vital that you remember to follow some important steps that could have a huge outcome on your claim for compensation or damage repairs.
If your car has been damaged, you will probably need to search for someone like Park City body shop, for instance, so that you can get a quote and arrange to book your car in.
That is just one of the tasks you often need to complete when you have been involved in a car accident. Here are the key steps you need to take in that situation.
Wait for help to arrive
Once you have confirmed if anyone is hurt and called emergency services, you might be tempted to drive off, if you and your car are okay to continue.
Never leave the scene of an accident until you confirm that it is safe to do so by the authorities, or you have got all the insurance details and driver details needed.
Report the incident
Even if you think that the collision is minor it is always advisable to report it to the police.
Logging the details will help if you have to make a subsequent claim for damages.
Make sure you get all the information you need
Be sure that you get all of their insurance, registration, and driver details from the other party.
If there were any witnesses, see if you can get their details too.
Use your phone to gather potential evidence
It is always a good idea to use your phone to take pictures of the scene. That includes noting any skid marks on the road, or any damaged property.
Taking a video of the scene and recording your thoughts on a voice memo could really help with your statement at a later date.
Don’t discuss liability
It is best not to engage in a conversation with the other driver about whose fault it was. Even if you think they were at fault, it’s best left to the police to get a statement.
Arrange to get your car moved
If your car has been damaged, and if you have signed up for roadside assistance, you can give them a call to arrange to have your vehicle towed away and taken to a repair center.
Get in touch with your insurance company
Don’t forget to ring your insurance company as a matter of urgency. Even if the damage is minimal and you are keen to avoid making a claim, failure to ring them could make you liable for any subsequent claim for damages.
Make your claim as soon as possible
Your insurance company will guide you on how to fill in a claim form and what other information they need from you.
They may also arrange to have the vehicle collected and sent for repair if that is covered by your policy.
Get yourself checked over
Physical damage is not always immediately evident after a crash. It is always advisable to get checked over by a medical professional to confirm that you are fine.
Be proactive if you want your claim handled quickly
Never assume that your insurer has got everything in hand. Make a checklist of all the things you need to do and who you need to contact.
That will help you to get the claim resolved as quickly as possible.
It can be hard to focus your attention on what you need to do after being involved in an accident. Follow these steps and you should be able to get a positive outcome and move on from the incident as soon as possible.