When a person is involved in a car accident, it can be stressful and he or she may not know what to do next. There are several helpful tips for drivers and passengers to keep in mind.
Safety reminders
It’s important to first assess the accident and ensure that the driver and passengers are not physically injured. If anyone in the vehicle suffered serious injuries, they should call for emergency help. They may also want to check that there is no imminent danger, like smoke or fire coming from the vehicle.
Then, if everyone in the car is unharmed, the driver can move the car to the sidewalk or the shoulder of the road to stay out of the path of traffic. When the car is safely out of the way, the driver can turn off the car, turn on their hazard lights and call highway patrol or the local police.
Important documentation
Depending on the circumstances, the drivers involved in the accident may be required to file an accident report. Law enforcement officers may ask them for their license, registration and insurance information.
Drivers can ask for the law enforcement officer’s name, contact information and a copy of the accident report. They should also ask for information from other parties involved in the accident. This includes their name, address, phone number, insurance information, license plate numbers and driver’s license information.
It may be helpful to take photos of the damage and the location where the accident occurred in addition to noting information such as the time of day, weather, road conditions and other details.
After an accident, an experienced attorney can provide advice about additional next steps.