Steps to Take Following a Motor Accident

A car accident can be a very frightening experience. In the immediate aftermath, you may feel shaken or even panicked. However it is important to proceed calmly so you can rationally deal with the effects of the crash.

What to Do 

For many people, the first step to take after a car accident is to breathe deeply and begin to calm down. When you are ready, take the following steps:

• Make sure everyone involved in the accident is all right. If anyone needs medical assistance, call 911 immediately.
• Inspect the damage to the vehicle or vehicles involved. You may want to keep a disposable camera in your glove compartment to help you document any damage to your vehicle. If you do not have a camera, take detailed notes of the damage.
• If there was another driver involved in the accident, exchange information with him or her. You will need to share your names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance companies, policy numbers, driver's license numbers, and license plate numbers.

• Call the police to file an accident report. If the accident is minor, they may not be willing to come to the scene. In this case, you will need to call your local police station or Department of Motor Vehicles to file a report.

• Call your insurance company. The representative will want a detailed account of the accident and any damage done to your vehicle. A representative from the other driver's insurance company will likely also call you to get an account. You may want to refer him or her to your insurance provider or attorney.

Dealing with the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident can be a stressful experience. Fortunately, having the right car insurance company on your side can greatly simplify the experience and may improve the outcome.

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