What to Do after a Car Accident that Wasn’t Your Fault

Experiencing an accident is stressful, especially when you feel you didn’t do anything wrong. After a collision, you might be dealing with property damage, personal injuries, and the stress that accompanies a traumatic event. Fortunately, having auto insurance coverage can help you recover from your losses. Knowing what to do after a car accident helps you begin moving forward quickly with filing a claim and addressing any damage.

Check on Everyone’s Safety

A car accident can range from a minor fender bender to severe events that require an immediate emergency response to address life-threatening injuries. In the first few moments of a collision, you’ll want to avoid placing any blame and start assessing everyone’s safety right away. If necessary, call for emergency medical services or the local police department. After everyone is safe, you can begin working on the other aspects of handling the accident.

Start by Gathering Information at the Scene

After a car accident, your adrenaline is bound to be pumping. You may also suddenly find yourself dealing with multiple people and situations that could cause you to forget important information. Make sure to get written information about the at-fault driver. Being able to look up the driver’s name and insurance information later can help you avoid delays with your claim. If you’re in good health, you can also take photographs and begin gathering other proof of the damage that occurred. If you have a dash cam, this is also a great time to begin reviewing the footage.

Identify & Document Any Personal Injuries

Once you’ve dealt with the immediate aftermath, you’ll want to address any injuries you may have sustained. Undergoing a car accident exam can identify issues such as whiplash that often don’t show symptoms until later. If you receive a diagnosis for any injuries, make sure to get documentation from the physician. Medical reports, health care bills, and receipts for bandages and other supplies can all help the Chula Vista car insurance company understand what you need when you file your claim.

Notify the Insurance Companies

Typically, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will be responsible for paying for the financial costs associated with the claim. Although the other driver should report the accident to his or her insurance company, you may also need to reach out to notify the company of what happened. Contacting your insurance company can also be helpful. On top of assisting with making sure the other insurance company handles the claim properly, you might need to rely on your policy to cover costs. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, this can protect you if the at-fault driver lacks proper insurance.

Continue to Follow Your Care Plan

In a best-case scenario, you won’t have additional medical issues following the initial evaluation. But you may still need to follow through with health care treatments. The insurance companies may also need you to have a professional assess your vehicle’s damage and provide an estimate for the repairs. Following through with the last steps of handling your claim makes it more likely that everything goes smoothly as you continue your recovery.

If you’re in any kind of vehicle accident, the most important thing is to make sure everyone is safe and gets medical attention right away if it’s needed. Then follow the other steps listed above to make sure legal requirements are met and your interests are protected. If you need affordable, reliable auto insurance, reach out to the experienced agents at Altra Insurance Services. We also offer several other types of insurance, including homeowners, renters, and motorcycle insurance. San Diego residents should call us today.