Being in a car accident is scary no matter how minor it may seem. People frequently become flustered after the incident and forget what steps to take next. It is most important to get out of the way of moving traffic as quickly as possible for your safety, but then what happens? Here are the next few things you should do after a collision.
Call the Police
You’ll want to call the police so that the accident is documented. This is important for insurance and legal purposes incase you need to get an Ellenton car accident lawyer later on. In addition, the police will be able to help you clear the wreckage safely. Even if the accident was your fault, it is still important to make sure the police show up, particularly if the wreck occurred in a busy area.
Deal With Insurance
If there was more than one person involved in the collision, you should exchange insurance information with each one. You’ll also want to take pictures of the scene to show your insurance company. No matter how minor the damage is, you should get in contact with an agent to let them know what happened. The agent will then walk you through the next steps of the process.
Get Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, you may want to make an appointment to see a doctor. Injuries can often present themselves later on after an accident. You may feel sore or have whiplash, which you might not feel until a day or so later. It is always better to be on the safe side and get checked out.
Driving after an accident can be scary, so take your time if needed. Although the worst of it is over, you might want to be prepared to be dealing with insurance and legal matters for months to come. In the meantime, get your car fixed and continue with your routine as usual.