When something unexpected like a car accident happens, we might not know exactly how to process what has just happened and what to do next. The stress of the situation can be overwhelming. This is why we made a checklist you can remember easily.

1. Remain Calm

In the moments immediately after an accident, we usually have a burst of adrenaline and are in a heightened state of shock. Always check yourself first for visible injuries, limiting your actions to assess your condition properly. Ensure you are not underestimating your injuries. If you are in any pain or discomfort, wait for first responders for assistance. Once you feel confident, you can start checking passengers next. Immediately call the police and inform them of the accident. Whether a minor or major accident, the police offer the utmost credibility regarding any possible legal proceedings. Their report could prove beneficial to your case. Do not ever leave the scene of an accident without completing the necessary steps. In fact, it is criminal in many regions to flee.

2. Warn Others

If you are not injured, warn any other approaching traffic of the situation. This safely allows other drivers to respond according to the circumstance with more time for decisive action. Initialize your vehicles’ hazards. If safe to exit your vehicle and another party is involved in the accident, see if they need any assistance next. If you have a roadside emergency kit, most contain high visible pylons or triangles to section off the accident scene from other vehicles. Warning other drivers about the accident as they approach limits the possibility of another impact from a distracted driver.

3. Move To Better Position

Removing yourself from the debris and off the road reduces your chances of being involved in another accident. Take safety on a sidewalk or nearby parking lot. At the same time, maintain visibility on your car. This allows you to regain your composure and mental clarity. You can now begin the very little communication required with the other party involved while waiting for the police to arrive to document the incident. You can exchange your details with the other driver.

4. Limit Communication

Information that you need to share with the other party is the same generally but should be confirmed with local regulations. Your name, phone number, your insurance company, and policy numbers. Any other conversation is not advised, and debating who was at fault or accepting fault is unnecessary and can be damaging to any legal proceedings that could arise. After exchanging the pertinent information, you can focus on other aspects that could help better help your case privately.

5. Document Everything

This information you collect is for your knowledge. You will want to remember every detail. Which direction you were heading, your perception in-detail of the accident—getting the contact information of any witnesses that saw the incident—taking down the officers’ credentials as well. Safely take pictures of the scene in entirety as well as close-ups of damages. With many of us having notepad capabilities on our mobiles, you can document the incident while details are fresh in your mind and in front of you. Gather as much information as you can. Making sure you have what exactly transpired to the best of your knowledge will help the insurance company understand and assess fault from that evidence.

6. Notifying Your Coverage Provider

Once the matter has been assessed, and your car has been towed if necessary, you should immediately contact your insurance agent. File all the proper paperwork required to safeguard any damages incurred. Be honest and forthcoming in any details related to your case. Maintaining credibility with your provider is essential for this case and any future matters you could have.

The other party’s insurance provider might reach out to you as well. You do not need to communicate with them. Depending on the severity of the accident, it might be more proactive to seek legal representation. Once you have gotten approval from your provider, you can begin the process of repairing your vehicle, if at all possible. With many collision repair experts like Carstar Texas offering to do the overhauls needed, they work directly with insurance providers. Regulations and legal requirements do vary by location. Always have the correct details as per local legislation.

A car accident can have long-term health and financial complications because of incorrect handling of the situation or simply an overlooked detail. By being prepared and educating ourselves on what we should do if the situation arose, we better our chances of handling the matter accordingly and lowering the risk of any continuing difficulties.