What to Do if You’re in an Accident
In the minutes following an accident, drivers can find themselves guilt-ridden or upset with themselves, with everything happening at once. It’s essential to put your feelings in a neutral setting and assess your situation. According to Insurance Information Institute, you’ll need to take care of a few items first.
Stop at the Scene
If you’re involved in an accident, it is your legal obligation to stop. Even if you don’t see any damage, if your car has collided with another vehicle, you need to stop.
Check on Injuries
Make sure you are not injured. Check on the safety of your passengers. If your car is drivable, move your vehicle off to the side of the road so other vehicles can resume regular traffic movement.
Protect Your Car from More damage
Get your car off the road, if possible, or set up flares or reflectors, so you are more visible to other drivers.
Never Admit Responsibility
In the swirl of emotions, it’s tempting to take responsibility. However, your contract with your insurance company states that you must not assume any responsibility or liability.
Notify Police
Even if you think it’s a minor fender bender, it is critical to make sure this is a legal accident report. While waiting for law enforcement to arrive on the scene, you can also use your cell phone to document any vehicle damage or other pertinent information.
Exchange Information with the Other Driver
Because of the stress following a car wreck, drivers often forget to get the essential facts:
Name, address, and cell phone of the driver
Names, addresses, and contact of witnesses
Get the car’s description, license plate number, the driver's insurance company, and their car's vehicle identification number (VIN). The VIN is typically on the inside of the driver’s side door.
Contact Your Insurance Company
After filing a police report, immediately contact your insurance company. If you wait on this, the other driver may have already reached their insurance company, and it’s put your insurance at a disadvantage.
Towing Options
If your car isn’t drivable, you’ll want a tow truck company. Occasionally, a towing truck will appear unsolicited after hearing about the accident. It's your right to choose the towing company. Even if there is already a tow truck on-site you can select whichever service best fits your needs.
Whether you've run out of gas, had an accident, or your car won't start, be sure to call your trusted service, Dailey’s Towing. Let us get you going fast. And, if it can't be fixed on-site, we'll tow you in and help get you on your way. Dailey’s towing also hauls. Contact us or give us a call at 205-340-4813.
Sources:
https://www.allstate.com/tr/car-insurance/in-case-of-a-car-accident.aspx
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/what-to-do-if-youre-in-a-car-accident
https://www.iii.org/article/scene-accident
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