There is an average of six million car accidents in America every year.
Vehicle accidents occur for a variety of reasons. Negligence, distractions, and driving under the influence are some of the most common factors involved in car accidents.
Do you know what to do if someone hits your car?
If the answer is no, continue reading. But, before you take any step, make sure you have a car accident lawyer by your side looking for your best interests. Check out the URL here and know the role of an experienced attorney when dealing with a similar situation. We’ve outlined five steps to take if you get into a car accident.
1. Secure Your Safety
In need of help with a car accident in Austin? If you’ve had an accident, the first thing to do is to make sure everyone is safe.
Step away from the vehicle and get off of the road. Stand somewhere that is safe, but do not leave the scene of the accident. Even in the case of a minor car crash, you could face criminal charges for fleeing the scene of a crime.
Be sure to turn on your vehicle’s hazard lights (if they work) for drivers passing by. Stand close to the accident, as long as it is safe, so first responders can easily find you.
2. Call the Police
After a vehicular accident, call the police. For the safety of you, your passengers, and the other drivers involved, file a police report. Insurance providers require a police report to process claims.
When the police arrive, record the names and badge numbers of the responding officers. Get your police report number for future reference. If the accident happens in NJ, you can easily access a copy of the New Jersey crash report online by entering some of the incident’s details, such as the date, ZIP code, and the Case ID.
Work with the officers to recount what happened. Answer their questions to the best of your ability. The police will ask about where you were going, who was in the vehicle, and any other details that are relevant to the incident.
3. Take Photos and Talk to Witnesses
Gather research at the scene of the auto accident to help you later. Take photos and gather contact information for witnesses.
Photos can help you prove an insurance claim or provide evidence in the event of a court hearing. Witnesses can settle disputes over who was responsible for the accident.
4. Exchange Driver Information
Don’t forget to gather information on the other drivers and their passengers involved in the accident. Everyone involved in the accident should provide their:
- Full names
- Home addresses
- Phone numbers
Drivers should exchange insurance carrier information and policy numbers. You should also note the vehicle information for all cars involved in the accident, including the car make, model, year, and license numbers.
5. File an Insurance Claim
After everything is taken care of at the scene of the accident, move forward with filing an insurance claim with the help of a reputable auto accident attorney. You can file a claim in person, over the phone, or online.
Once you file an insurance claim, your carrier will reach out to discuss the situation and vehicle damage. An insurance adjuster decides how much money you are eligible to receive following the accident.
The sooner you file an insurance claim, the faster you will receive payment to cover vehicle damages.
Feel Confident Knowing What to Do If Someone Hits Your Car
Car accidents can be scary for numerous reasons. Not only are there injuries to deal with, but there are critical steps to follow to ensure everything goes smoothly after the incident.
But now that you know what to do if someone hits your car, you can feel more confident on the road. Prepared drivers are safe drivers.
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