Being in an auto accident is something none of us ever want to experience. Unfortunately, there may come a time when it does happen, and we are seldom prepared for the occasion. At the time of an accident there is usually much confusion and there may by injuries so it’s difficult to know exactly what to say or do. Here are some important things to remember if you’re ever in a car accident.
You should never leave the scene of an accident. Leaving the scene of an accident, even if it’s not your fault could get you charged with hit and run. This becomes an even greater problem if there are injuries or significant property damage. The police should be called immediately if there are injuries, if the accident is blocking lanes of traffic and the cars can’t be moved, or if there’s significant damage.
If you’re involved in a car accident you should never admit guilt or blame the other driver for the accident. Let the authorities work out who’s to blame. Your responsibility is to simply tell your version of what happened as best you can recall. Don’t ever sign anything ether, unless it is from a police officer.
In the aftermath of a car accident you should first make sure everyone is OK. Once it is determined that everyone is OK, and attempt should be made to move the cars out of the roadway and away from traffic. Turn hazard light on and turn the cars off if they are still running. Get yourself and anyone else away from traffic and in a reasonably safe area as soon as possible.
File a police report on the incident. Even if the accident was minor and there were no injuries, having a police report can help you if later on down the line the other driver decides to sue. Hopefully you’ll never be involved in a car accident, but it helps to know what to do if it does happen to you.
