Traveling across the country should be an exciting experience, but if you happen to be involved in an accident along the way, it can be scary and overwhelming. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are over 6 million car accidents each year in the United States, with speeding and drunk driving the two main causes. Additionally, 27% of them lead to a non-fatal injury. If you are in an accident while away from home, follow these key steps.
Assess the Situation After the Car Accident
After a car accident, your first priority is to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Pull over to a safe location, out of the flow of traffic, whenever possible. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately and provide basic first aid if you can safely do so while waiting for an ambulance. Pull over to the shoulder or find a nearby parking lot if the vehicles are movable.
Always Try To Exchange Information After the Car Accident
You’ll need to exchange insurance and contact information with all drivers involved in the car accident. This includes drivers of other vehicles as well as any passengers. Get the name, phone number, address, insurance details, driver’s license number, and license plate for every driver. If possible, take pictures of the damage, the location, vehicle positions, and any traffic signs or signals that may have contributed to the accident.
File a Car Accident Report
For any car accident with major damage or injuries, you’ll need to file an official accident report with the local police. Provide the reporting officer with your documentation and give a factual statement about what happened without speculating or assessing blame. Getting a copy of this police report is crucial for insurance claims later.
Seek Medical Attention After the Car Accident
Even if you don’t think you’ve been hurt in the crash, it’s wise to get examined by a doctor to check for injuries that may not be apparent, like whiplash or internal damage. Adrenaline can hide symptoms right after an accident as well. Consulting a medical professional creates documentation about any physical harm done for insurance.
Deal with a Rental Car
If your vehicle is too damaged to drive, work with your insurance provider to see if you have policy coverage for a rental car. Some providers include rental reimbursement. You may also need to arrange for your own transport to your destination after the accident by renting a car or taking public transportation. Save receipts for any potential reimbursement later.
Handle Vehicle Repairs
Bring your damaged car to an authorized repair shop for assessment as soon as possible. Do not delay or avoid getting estimates, as this could limit the amount your provider will reimburse or result in claims being denied. Insurance companies generally declare vehicles’ total losses if repairs exceed 75% of the car’s value.
Consider Hiring a Local Car Accident Lawyer
It is recommended to seek legal assistance after an accident. For example, if you find yourself injured in a car crash while traveling in Stuart, FL, quickly reach out to a team of experienced Stuart car accident lawyers. Having an attorney’s guidance can be beneficial when dealing with insurance companies for serious accidents involving significant injuries or property damage.
Call a car accident lawyer who is near you, specializes in this area, understands how to investigate accidents, and fully identifies all liable parties. They can advise about legal options, ensure you get the compensation you deserve, and negotiate effectively.
Dealing with a car accident while traveling requires some presence of mind to handle it correctly at the moment. Carefully moving through each of these steps minimizes further issues and ensures you get the assistance you are entitled to after an unfortunate crash. Stay safe out there on the roads.