The Steps To Follow If You Are Involved In A Car Accident
Written by David Halbert   
Wednesday, 11 March 2009 10:19
With the ever-increasing number of vehicles on the road, every day we see several accidents. There are number of factors which cause an accident amongst which bad weather is the most common one. We all should try to drive vigilantly and with great care; though, if someone comes across an accident, he should know the following instructions to deal with the situation.
by DavidHalbert


With the ever-increasing number of vehicles on the road, every day we see several accidents. There are number of factors which cause an accident amongst which bad weather is the most common one. We all should try to drive vigilantly and with great care; though, if someone comes across an accident, he should know the following instructions to deal with the situation.

Determine the Extent of Damage or Injuries

Firstly you should take deep breath and calm down. You go through emotional states just after meeting an accident. These emotional states are typical and could be of annoyance, distress, tension, panic, or unease etc. Though, after you come into your senses, you rapidly need to determine the degree of damage to the car and to your body. If you think that you require some urgent medical attention then don't just delay the treatment proceedings.

File a Car Accident Report with the Police

Don't take any car accident as minor. Police officers in many locations do not file the case unless there are injuries. But, in order to be on the safe side, you should still report to the police about the accident, and make sure the police file is complete. Police report is always helpful for you if you are seeking insurance claim from the insurance company afterwards.

Photograph and Document the Accident

A large number of people know that they should document and photograph the scene but time and again they forget that after the accident takes place. You must note down the cell number, address, and name of all the persons that were involved in the accident. Take pictures from your cellular phone and don't forget to make notes about what happened; it will be of great help for the court or insurance agencies to decide who was responsible for the accident.

You should in addition note down the particulars of the car; including year, make, model and color. If you are in your mind after the accident, draw a sketch on the paper and point out the collapse location that is, from which track the car or cars were approaching etc. There would be eye witnesses certainly. Note down the name and contact details of the witness, it would be supportive in solving the matters in case the other driver is not completely sincere about the happening.

Call You Insurance Agent

If possible, it would be good to call your insurance company on the scene along with the police. Most of the time you don't feel good after the accident, in such cases the police officer is much helpful and gives more accurate information about the incident. This saves your time as you don't have to wait in the queue for your claim to be processed. After you leave the scene you must be continuously in touch with the insurance company until your settlement is negotiated completely.

The Aftermath

Accident could be upsetting to anybody, and dealing with the after effects sometimes is even worse. After a distressing accident, some people go through Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). They held themselves responsible themselves for injury or death of others. Yet, stress is not the case with every person, and you have to overlook it soon in order to lead a normal life.

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