Almost 16,000 car accidents occur in the U.S. every day. Out of these accidents, about 35,000 people will die every year.
One of scariest events a person can experience is a car accident. Even if it’s only a simple fender bender, your heart starts pounding and emotions run high.
When it’s the most difficult to think clearly is when you’ll need to make some important decisions.
Who should you call? What information do you need? What are your legal obligations?
This article will cover 5 key steps to follow after a car crash. We’ll also look at a
few tips to be a safer driver in general.
1. Stop
This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people do not stop after a car crash.
Legally, though, you must stop even if you’re afraid of getting in trouble with the police or insurance. Make sure to pull out of traffic. You can park on the side of the road or even in a parking lot if you can.
After you stop, make sure to turn off the engine. You don’t want any sparks flying if there’s leaking gasoline.
Next, turn on your hazard lights. This lets other drivers know to slow down and be cautious.
2. Call the Police
Once you’ve stopped, it’s time to call the police.
Check the scene to give an accurate report to 911. Is there fire? Are people injured? Is the road blocked?
It might seem silly, but make sure to check yourself for injuries too. Sometimes you might be hurt, and your body’s adrenaline level is keeping you from feeling pain.
If the damage is not major, you may not want to call the police. That’s fine, but if you plan to file an insurance claim, a police report will help you.
One of scariest events a person can experience is a car accident. Even if it’s only a simple fender bender, your heart starts pounding and emotions run high.
When it’s the most difficult to think clearly is when you’ll need to make some important decisions.
Who should you call? What information do you need? What are your legal obligations?
This article will cover 5 key steps to follow after a car crash. We’ll also look at a
few tips to be a safer driver in general.
1. Stop
This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people do not stop after a car crash.
Legally, though, you must stop even if you’re afraid of getting in trouble with the police or insurance. Make sure to pull out of traffic. You can park on the side of the road or even in a parking lot if you can.
After you stop, make sure to turn off the engine. You don’t want any sparks flying if there’s leaking gasoline.
Next, turn on your hazard lights. This lets other drivers know to slow down and be cautious.
2. Call the Police
Once you’ve stopped, it’s time to call the police.
Check the scene to give an accurate report to 911. Is there fire? Are people injured? Is the road blocked?
It might seem silly, but make sure to check yourself for injuries too. Sometimes you might be hurt, and your body’s adrenaline level is keeping you from feeling pain.
If the damage is not major, you may not want to call the police. That’s fine, but if you plan to file an insurance claim, a police report will help you.
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