What to do if you were just in an accident
Getting into an accident can be a scary and stressful experience. As a responsible driver, it's important to know what to do in case you are ever involved in a collision. Here are the top 10 things you should do if you get into an accident:
Check for injuries: The first thing you should do is check if anyone in your vehicle or the other vehicle is injured. If someone is hurt, call 911 right away and request medical assistance.
Move to a safe area: If the accident is minor and there are no injuries, move your vehicle to a safe area away from traffic. This will help prevent further accidents and ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Turn on hazard lights: Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers that there's been an accident.
Call the police: Contact the police to report the accident, especially if there are injuries, significant damage to the vehicles, or the other driver is behaving aggressively.
Exchange information: Exchange information with the other driver, including names, phone numbers, and insurance information. It's also a good idea to take photos of the damage to both vehicles and the scene of the accident.
Collect witness information: If there were any witnesses to the accident, collect their names and contact information.
Contact your insurance company: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Your insurance company will help guide you through the claims process and provide you with any necessary information.
Seek medical attention: If you were injured in the accident, seek medical attention right away. Even if you feel fine, it's important to get checked out by a healthcare professional.
Keep records: Keep records of all the information related to the accident, including police reports, medical bills, and repair estimates.
Seek legal advice: If the accident was severe or you were injured, it's important to seek legal advice from an experienced attorney. They can help protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation for any damages or injuries.
At Deer Valley Driving School, we emphasize the importance of safe driving practices to minimize the risk of accidents. However, accidents can happen even to the most cautious drivers. Knowing what to do in case of an accident can help you stay calm and handle the situation with confidence.
If you're interested in learning more about safe driving or want to enroll in our driving school, contact us today. Our experienced instructors will help you become a safe and responsible driver.
Here are some additional resources on what to do in case of an accident that you may find helpful:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): The NHTSA provides information on car safety and what to do in case of an accident on their website. You can visit their website at https://www.nhtsa.gov/crash-investigation.
American Automobile Association (AAA): The AAA provides tips on what to do in case of an accident on their website, as well as information on car insurance and other related topics. You can visit their website at https://www.ace.aaa.com/automotive/driving-resources/emergency-roadside-assistance/what-to-do-after-a-car-accident.html.
Insurance Information Institute (III): The III provides information on what to do in case of an accident, as well as tips on how to file an insurance claim and other related topics. You can visit their website at https://www.iii.org/article/what-should-i-do-if-i-have-car-accident.
DMV.org: DMV.org provides information on what to do in case of an accident, as well as tips on how to file a police