According to research, the average person will be involved in approximately 4 car accidents during the course of their life. If you have been involved in an accident, it is imperative that you prepare yourself with what to do after a car accident checklist.
Being involved in an accident is stressful, scary, and downright chaotic. Even if you are not injured, you can still experience symptoms of shock which can make it difficult for you to know what to do at that moment.
The actions you take after an accident will help you to stay on course for after the accident and could cover you both legally and medically.
So, when disaster strikes, what are the right steps to take after a car accident? How can you know you are following the steps correctly?
Keep on reading to learn exactly what to do after a car accident checklist, so you are well prepared.
1. Check for Possible injuries
If you have been in an accident, your body will probably respond in shock which could be triggered by either stress or physical trauma. Before you move, check yourself all over for any bleeding, protrusions, bumps, or sore spots near your organs.
It is best to lay still and have an ambulance attendant check you over before you get moving. You need to know what doctor to see after a car accident in order to prevent any further injury and help you in the court of law.
2. Access the Danger
If your car has flipped or if the gas tank has been struck, this could lead to a potentially fatal explosion. Ensure that there is no gas leaking from your car, and if there is, make sure everyone is clear of the dangers.
3. Do Not Admit Fault
Even if you are feeling like you are completely at fault, do not say a single word about it to anyone! When you are in shock, your reasoning can be altered, so it is best to wait until you speak to a lawyer first before you assume you are responsible.
Rather than saying “sorry,” ask the other driver if they are okay. This helps you to steer clear of any faults or blaming during the course of the accident.
4. Inform the Police
You need to either call the police yourself or ask a witness to call them right after the accident. Having their presence there could help you during the time when you are at court.
Police are trained to deal with these situations, so make sure you report only facts and if there is anything that you are unsure about, do not make up assumptions. Claim your ignorance and it will help you in the future.
5. Take Pictures of the Accident
If you are physically able to, take pictures of the accident immediately, along with writing down every single detail you can about the accident right after it happened.
When our bodies are in shock, it can act like amnesia and you may forget some important tidbits of information.
Learn More About What to Do After a Car Accident Checklist
Now that you have your what to do after a car accident checklist, you need to put it together and have it in your car in case of an emergency.
A checklist is no good if it is not around when you need it.
