Photo of legal professionals at Gammon McFall & Villarreal

At Your Side When Life Changes

Car accident? Here is what you should do first

On Behalf of | Nov 18, 2022 | Personal Injury |

Car accidents happen, particularly if you drive frequently. If you have been in an accident, it is important to know exactly what to do.

Here are the steps you need to take immediately following a car accident.

Remain calm

Remaining calm is the most important thing you can do after an accident. You can assess your injuries by remaining calm and speaking to the other party without arguing.

Stay safe

Make sure you are in a safe place and can exit your vehicle. If the accident is minor, you should move your vehicles out of the road. If this is not possible, call the authorities immediately.

Put your car in park or engage the parking brake. Then turn your vehicle off and put your hazard lights on. This will help surrounding vehicles know that there is a problem.

If the accident is severe, do not attempt to move or leave your car. Moving or standing may make your injuries worse.

Call for help

Call the police. If you are at all unsure about your injuries, request an ambulance.

Exchange information

Without admitting any fault, exchange insurance information, names and contact information. Never sign anything unless your insurance agent or a police officer asks you to. Read everything and anything they give you to sign.

During this exchange, take pictures of both vehicles. Your insurance company will want them later.

With millions of car accidents happening every year, remaining calm and knowing what to do can save you time and money.