Being involved in an auto accident is stressful and can be life altering, but knowing what to do at the scene can make the aftermath easier to deal with.

Collisions are a growing problem as the number of motorists on the road continues to increase, including drivers who are distracted or intoxicated. With the skyrocketing costs of auto repair and medical care, even a relatively minor “fender bender” can complicate life considerably, with new expenses, lost income and more.

Lawyers who handle vehicle accidents and liability can help victims to recover economically, but there are steps that one can take beforehand and at the scene of an accident that facilitate the process.

Dealing With an Auto Accident: Frequently-Asked Questions

It is important to take the right steps immediately after an auto-related mishap in order to avoid expensive troubles in the future. What follows are answers to some common questions about what to do in those critical hours after being involved in an auto accident.

How Do I Prepare For an Accident?

While nobody expects to be involved in a traffic accident, it is a good idea to be prepared just in case. The most important preparation is to carry important documents in the glove box. These include the vehicle title and registration, proof of insurance and insurer contact information, and any relevant medical information (such as allergies or health conditions) as well as emergency contacts.

It is also a good idea to keep an emergency kit in the vehicle, including flares and orange cones in order to warn off passing traffic and prevent a bad situation from becoming worse.

What Do I Do After the Crash?

It’s top priority to seek appropriate medical care for anyone who may be seriously injured. If this is the case, call 911 and report the accident immediately.

If the vehicle is still driveable, it’s important to pull off to the shoulder immediately. If the auto accident was the result of a road rage incident, motorists should avoid engaging each other, lest the situation escalate into violence.

After that, begin an assessment of the vehicle damage and take photos, if possible.

What if the Other Vehicle Was Unattended?

Hit and run is a crime, regardless of circumstance. If you strike an unattended vehicle and cannot locate the owner, leave a note on the windshield with your contact information. Be sure to record details of the incident, including the make and model of the vehicle and its location.

What if Law Enforcement Doesn’t Arrive?

It is unlikely that a law enforcement officer will fail to show up on the scene of an auto accident, particularly if you called it in. This may be the case however, if the damage is relatively minor and there were no apparent injuries. An alternative course of action is to go to the police, either in person or online, and file an accident report. This will help in the event the other motorist decides to file a lawsuit and there turns out to be vehicle damages or injuries that are not immediately apparent.

About Filing an Insurance Claim

It is important for the vehicle owners to contact their insurer at the earliest opportunity and start the claims process. Be prepared to furnish as much documentation as possible. Keep in mind that if your vehicle is declared a total loss, some states require that the settlement include tax and license fees in addition to the fair market value of the vehicle itself.

An attorney’s assistance can also be invaluable if the car accident injury was not discovered until after some time had passed, even years. If you happened to be uninsured at the time of the accident, an attorney can also help you evaluate your options. Additionally, a personal injury attorney can help if the car accident injury involved a pedestrian, motorcycle, or bicycle.  

This article is not legal advice or medical advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.