When you get into a car wreck, it can be a very frightening and shocking experience. There are certain steps you’ll want to take after the event of a crash, and knowing what you need to do beforehand will help you remain calm and relieve some of the stress you will most likely experience. Below is an accident checklist of things you can do following the events of a car wreck.
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Check Yourself For Injuries
If you're injured, call 911 as soon as you can. If you’re unable to, ask someone else to do so for you. Injuries range from minor bumps and bruises to more serious ones like cuts and broken bones. If you're seriously injured, try not to move, and wait for emergency personnel to assist you.
Check On Passenger Safety
After first checking yourself, check on the other passengers in your car. If anyone is injured, call emergency services or ask a bystander to do so for you. If a passenger is seriously injured, it’s best not to move them unless the area is unsafe to be in. Otherwise, wait for emergency personnel to help the injured.
Get To Safety
After you check on yourself, and it’s safe to do so, move to the side of the road or a sidewalk away from the crash. Avoid oncoming traffic and get somewhere protected by any flying debris. If your vehicle is safe to drive and is drivable, pull it to the side of the road to prevent any further accidents or traffic jams. If your vehicle is not in a hazardous location, leave it where it is and get yourself to safety.
CALL 911
It doesn’t matter if you were in a minor fender-bender or a big collision, calling 911 is the logical next step — and in some states, it's legally required. Once the police arrive they will fill out an accident report and document the event of the wreck. It is important to receive a copy of the police report for your insurance claims process.
Inspect Vehicle Damage (ONLY IF SAFE)
While you wait for the police to arrive, and only if it is safe to do so, inspect the damage done to your vehicle. Taking pictures and or video of the wreck can help you keep track of all the damage and provides you with evidence of the accident.
Exchange Information
Once you are sure everyone is safe, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver or drivers involved in the wreck. Make sure to take photos of their license plate and insurance card as well. If you wish, you can even gather contact information from any witnesses.
Keep Documentation of the Accident
Write down the name of the officer, get a copy of the accident report, take pictures, write down the names of those involved, and speak with witnesses. Be sure to keep all this information with you for when you speak with your insurance.
Gather Essential Belongings (ONLY IF SAFE)
If your vehicle has been totaled in the accident, collect any personal items or belongings you need from inside your vehicle before it is taken away. Only do this if it is safe to do so. If your vehicle is safe to drive, simply head home.
Notify Your Insurance and Begin the Claims Process
At this time it would be smart to call your insurance provider while you're at the scene or report your claim. If you wish to wait till you get home, that is fine. Use the information and documentation you’ve gathered so you can tell them exactly what they will need in order to process your claim. If your vehicle is badly damaged, your insurer may be able to arrange it to be towed directly to a certified body shop.
Even the most seasoned driver can feel dazed and frazzled following a collision, but knowing these steps beforehand may help protect you from unnecessary worries. Need a place to take your car in for repairs? Visit Ed Bozarth Chevrolet’s Collision Center and our experts will take care of you!