We hope that nobody reads this blog entry actually experiences a car accident – however, these unfortunate incidents to occur. Here’s a guide from the towing and vehicle recovery experts here at Towing Chicago on exactly what to do after a car accident.
Check for Injuries
First, check that you are injury free. If you have experienced an injury, try to remain still, and contact 911, or ask somebody else to do so for you. Then wait for emergency personnel to arrive to assist you.
Check on the Passengers
If you can move, check on the other passengers in the car. If any of them have experienced an injury, contact emergency services as soon as possible, or ask a bystander to do so or to help you.
Get to a Safe Area
Try to move to the side of the road, or even better, a sidewalk. If your car is safe to drive and is in a hazardous location, pull it to the roadside. Otherwise, get out of the car and bring yourself and your passengers to a safe area. Turn off your engine, turn on hazard lights, and use road flares if you have them to warn other cars to slow down.
Contact 911
Regardless of whether the automotive accident was a simple bump or fender bender, or a serious collision, contact the police right away. The responding police person will fill out an accident report and take documentation of the scene of the accident. If for some reason the cops cannot come to the location, you can travel to a police station and fill out a report yourself. When you file a claim with your car insurance, they will likely ask for a copy of the police report to assist you with the claims procedure.
Trade Information
Try to exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver involved. This information should include: full names and contact information, insurance companies and policy numbers, driver’s license and plate number, vehicle brand, model, and color, and the exact location of the vehicle. Don’t discuss fault – leave this up to the insurance inspector based on documentations.
Documentation
Get the name and badge numbers of all police officers that arrive. Ask for a copy of the police accident report. Take pictures of the accident from multiple angles documenting the damage to both cars, as well as the other car’s license plate. Speak to any witnesses and take down their names and contact information.
Contact Insurance
Call your insurance preferably while you are still at the scene of the accident, and follow all of their instructions as to what they will need in order to process your insurance claim.