Car accidents can happen out of nowhere, leaving you shaken, injured and confused. Your heart is beating and feels like it’s going to jump out of your chest. After it’s registered in your brain that you’ve just been involved in a car accident, what do you do next? Try and remain calm when it happens and take steps to make it less stressful.

What to Do After a Minor Car Accident

1. Stay at the scene. Do not leave the scene until you’ve been given the okay. This is even more important if there are injuries or death because serious charges can be can occur for hit-and-run drivers.
2. Check on all the passengers. Make sure everyone is okay before you start looking at the damage and trying to figure out who was at fault. Get medical attention right away and don’t move anyone that’s experiencing neck or back pain unless they are in immediate danger. Turn on the hazard lights or use cones or flares if you’re happen to have then to warn oncoming traffic.
3. Call the police. Don’t argue with the other driver, just wait for the police. It’s also advisable to call the police regardless of the severity. They will file a police report and give you a copy.
4. Exchange information. Get as much information as you can get. Names, numbers, drivers’ license numbers, license plate numbers and insurance information for all the drivers involved. This might be difficult with the stress of an accident but try and remain calm and polite.
5. Take pictures. With cell phones, it’s easy to take lots of pictures to document the damages. These will help with the insurance company and will determine how you will be compensated.
6. Do not take blame. Don’t apologize even if you think you’re at fault because this admits legal liability. It’s hard to figure out who was at fault and it might be unclear.
7. Talk to witnesses. They might be the only way to determine who was at fault so get their names and numbers.
8. Call your insurance company. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after you’ve been involved in an accident. You’ll need to explain what happened and what your injuries are. Do not lie to the insurance company. Doing so can cause problems and denial of coverage.
9. Keep track of medical treatment. Keep detailed reports of all your appointments and the treatments you’re receiving. Make sure you obtain copies of all the medical reports and bills. Document your pain and suffering and how it’s affected your day-to-day life.
10. Don’t discuss the accident with anyone other than the police or your attorney if you have hired one. If you are contacted by the other insurance company, tell them to call your lawyer.

Emergency Roadside & Towing Services in Duncanville, Irving, Mesquite & Greater Dallas, Texas

Car accidents can happen to the safest of drivers. Sometimes it’s the other driers we need to look out for. Your car is valuable regardless of the state it might be in after an accident. Trust the professionals at Citywide Towing when you need emergency towing services. Contact us for all your towing and roadside assistance needs.