Steps to follow after a Car Accident

After a car accident, it is very difficult to keep cool and follow the guidelines but it is very essential to do that as it is a basic aspect and this will benefit you. Being in an accident is a bad experience that is difficult to express. There are certain steps to follow for making the situation good and feel lighter while making a car insurance claim. Below are a few things that you should do after a car accident. 

1. Do not run away
2. Checking Injuries
3. Inform the police authorities
4. Get off the road
5. Legal consultation
6. Information in one place
7. Proof collection
8. Consult insurance agent
9. Evaluation

1. Do not run away

Once the accident occurs do not try to run away from the scene. If you have decided to escape from the accident scene it will be considered as a criminal offense instead try to offer help at the accident if you are able to. Instead of getting referred to as an accident hit-run away, it is better to hold back and stay till the police arrive. 

2. Checking Injuries

Checking for injuries is very important prior to make any hasty decisions. Generally, it is observed that people get into shock and misidentify injuries. Check yourself and also with others the injuries that you have on yourself and on others. 

3. Inform the police authorities

Call 999 and tell them that you have been in an accident and need police. If it is a serious accident or a minor accident you should call the police. Police authorities will come and do the paperwork. While filing the insurance claim these documents are important. Do not change anything at the accident place. The police authorities will reachand handle the situation. 

4. Get off the road

When the accident happens take all precautions not to block the road. Do not create chaos on the road and it's best to get off the road. The police will come and make the necessary road clearance. If it is a major car accident then it is better to leave the accident prone area as it is. 

5. Legal Consultation

If you know someone who is injured in the accident, advise them to go for legal consultation. When you consult an attorney they can advise you on the legal procedures. They will save you from any kind of problem that you may get into. If the situation is not looking favorable to you then it is best to consult the legal authority. 

6. Information in one place

Insurance claims are processed based on the information you provide to the company. All the data related to the accident should be kept in one place. The data such as contact numbers, names, addresses, car registration numbers and other details. 

The details of other parties involved in the accident should also be provided to the insurance company. Make sure that you have a file of all these documents on hand. 

7. Proof collection

If possible collect all the proof of the accident through photos. The car damages pictures and the accident site photos will stand as proof for submission to the insurance company. Using a phone camera and taking the pictures will be very helpful. Collecting proofs immediately after an accident is not possible, you can do that later after you settle down. It is important to cover the accident damages. 

8. Consult insurance agent

Consult the insurance company to file a claim. You can either consult the insurance agent or go to their office. Keep the insurance company informed about all the details of the accident. Also, report the severity of the accident and tell the entire story as it is because they will discover if you cook up any story. If they get to know that you are trying to deceive them you will get into trouble and this will result in the decline of insurance. 

9. Evaluation

Insurance companies will evaluate the damages which occur to the car. To have an understanding of the damages you can also choose to select an independent contractor to estimate the repairs. They will provide you with the quotations which will help you to get compensation.