10 Points You Cannot Miss Out on Following a Car Accident

1 min read

After an accident, you’re likely to be rattled up. It can be easy to forget important steps in the heat of the moment, which can lead to problems down the road during any insurance claims and lawsuits that may arise.

1. Pull over in a safe location

Even if the accident was minor, it’s important to check for any damage or injuries. If the accident occurred on the street, all involved parties and any witnesses should pull into the nearest safe parking lot or pull-off area available.

2. Check for injuries

The first course of action should be to establish if any injuries occurred during the accident. If anyone has sustained even minor injuries, be sure to call an ambulance and get them the proper medical evaluation.

3. Call the police

In some locations, the police will respond to every accident to help the parties collect the necessary information and collect evidence.

 

4. Exchange personal information

All involved parties should exchange personal information (such as names, addresses, telephone numbers, and driver’s license numbers) in case an insurance claim needs to be filed.

5. Exchange license and vehicle information

All involved parties should also exchange license and vehicle information, including the license plate number and vehicle identification numbers (VIN). Drivers should ask to see the physical license and card to verify the information provided is accurate.

6. Inspect for damage to vehicles or property

After the information has been exchanged, inspect both vehicles and any surrounding property for any potential damage that may have occurred. If you identify any damage, take photos of the damage to help speed up the insurance claim process. Note any paint damage, dents or scratches, damage to parts or property, or any other notable information.

If any damage is found and the owner of the property cannot be found, leave a note that states the names and addresses of the involved parties.

7. Take photos of the scene

After taking photos of any damage to vehicles or property, take some photos of the scene of the accident and the immediately surrounding areas. This can help the agent working on your claim determine liability and other factors that may be relevant to their investigation.

 

8. Notify your insurance company

After an accident, promptly inform your insurance company so they can begin working on your behalf to file claims and make payments.

9. Call your lawyer

As well as your insurance company, you should also contact your lawyer to inform them of any potential liability or legal recourse. The veteran car accident lawyers at Stewart J. Guss, Injury Accident Lawyers have many years of experience dealing with car accident cases and would be happy to provide a consultation for your case.

10. Notify the department of motor vehicles if necessary

In the event of any injuries or vehicle damage in excess of $750.00, the accident must be reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days.