Every year, over 6 million road accidents occur; while some claimed the lives of many, others caused damages worth billions of dollars. If you are involved in an automobile accident, there are essential things to do to protect yourself. We understand it might be hard to keep calm and follow the necessary procedures, but you should protect your interest before panicking.
Things you should do if you are in an automobile accident
If you are involved in an automobile accident, here are the following things you need to do to ensure your safety:
Stop the car
Never drive away from a car accident, irrespective of the severity. Driving after a car crash is a crime according to state laws, and the penalties range from hefty fines to license suspension or even a jail term. You should get down and assess the damages before driving off.
Calm down and stop panicking
After an automobile crash, a person is likely to feel mentally disturbed as they go through a wide range of emotions like guilt, anger, fear, or nervousness. This can heighten panic and mentally break down the affected party. Hence, you should take a few breaths after a crash to ensure all ten fingers and toes are mobile. We recommend counting down from 10 to 1 before stepping out.
Report or call the police
The police should know of the situation right away. This may sound as good as you want it to, but a police report is necessary for post-accident events such as filing a claim with your insurance company. The police will assess the damage and even proffer additional help to keep the wreck off the road.
Document the scene
Documenting the accident scene is particularly important to ensure the investigation reports are accurate. Since the affected parties are looking to get the police and insurance on their good side, there is a high chance of manipulation that can distort the facts. Also, never forget to document responses from the affected party. Ensure you ask questions like are you okay? Are you injured? Is anything broken? These responses can help during settlement or while writing a police report.
Notify your insurance company immediately
Reach out to your insurance company as soon as possible, as many policies require clients to report accident claims within 24 hours. Also, talk with your insurance manager to see what range of settlements you enjoy. Some insurance plans cover only the third parties, while others cover your repairs and the third party. You should also send any form of proof you have to them to back up your claims.
Go to the hospital
No matter how minor the accident might seem, you should visit the hospital and get certified okay by a medical doctor. Many accident victims seem fine the first two days after the accident before coming down with life-threatening symptoms. If you can, visit the therapist for professional help.
How ASI Collision can help
ASI Collision is a luxury, Audi-Certified collision repair center offering tow services, insurance assistance, and repairs. We help accident victims process their settlement without any hassle. Give us a call today or fill out our online contact form!