What to Do After a Car Crash
No matter how small, a car crash can be a disorienting and stressful experience, but knowing what steps to take immediately after can ensure your safety and help you navigate the legal and insurance complexities that follow.
Let’s walk through the essential actions you should take following a car crash, plus some tips if you happen to witness one.
Prioritize Safety and Assess Injuries
Your top priority should always be to ensure your safety and the safety of others involved. If you’re not seriously injured, check on the well-being of other passengers or drivers. If anyone is injured, call emergency services immediately. Do not attempt to move anyone unless there’s an imminent threat, like a fire.
Moving Your Vehicle: When and How
If the accident is minor and there are no severe injuries, carefully move the vehicles out of traffic to a safe location nearby, like a shoulder or parking lot. This helps prevent further accidents and traffic congestion. However, if the vehicles are not operable or moving them might cause additional damage or injury, it’s best to leave them as they are and get yourself to safety.
Contact the Police
In Arizona, involving the police is only legally required if there are injuries, death, or significant property damage, but calling them is always a smart idea. Police provide an objective record of the accident, which can be crucial when resolving disputes with insurance companies or legal matters. They can also assist with exchanging information, which can be especially helpful in the highly emotional moments after a car accident.
Exchange Information but Limit Conversations
Exchange essential information with the other driver, including names, contact details, insurance information, and vehicle details (make, model, and license plate number). While it’s important to be cooperative, avoid discussing fault or details of the accident. These conversations could be misinterpreted or used against you in future claims or legal proceedings.
Document the Scene
Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle positions, damages, and any relevant road signs or signals. If there are witnesses, get their contact information as well. This documentation can be invaluable for insurance claims and potential legal issues.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Provide them with the information you gathered, including the police report number, if available. Your insurer will guide you through the claims process and what to expect next.
Seek Medical Attention
Sometimes, injuries caused by car accidents aren’t immediately apparent. Symptoms may appear hours or days later, so it’s essential to seek medical attention even if you feel fine after an accident. A medical record immediately following the accident can be crucial in insurance or legal claims.
Did You Witness a Car Accident?
If you witness a car crash, your assistance can be invaluable. Here are some key steps you should follow to help the people involved:
- Ensure your safety: Before attempting to assist, ensure you’re in a safe location away from any hazards.
- Assess the situation: If it’s safe, approach the scene to check on the well-being of those involved. Offer reassurance and comfort, keeping in mind not to move anyone who appears seriously injured.
- Call emergency services: Call emergency assistance immediately and provide clear details about the location, number of vehicles involved, and any visible injuries or hazards (like fires or fuel leaks).
- Document the scene: If possible, take notes or photos of the scene, including vehicle positions, damages, and environmental conditions.
- Provide your information: Give your contact details to the drivers and the responding authorities. As a witness, your account could be essential in piecing together what happened and resolving any disputes.
Prevent accidents from happening in the first place. Register for a driver’s education or defensive driving course to stay informed, stay safe, and drive confidently with expert training.
