A car accident is a traumatic event, even if the crash is minor. It is bound to happen with millions of drivers on the road. Knowing what to do immediately after a car accident can be vital.
The whole experience can be less stressful if you know what to do.
Pull over to the side of the road
The first thing that you need to consider is your safety. If your vehicle is still operational, pull over to the side of the road. This can keep you safe while you and the other driver sort things out.
Call the police
You might think that the accident is minor and that calling the police is unnecessary. It is always better to have an objective 3rd party on the scene.
Remain calm
It is always better to try to remain calm. Getting overly angry or stressed can only make things worse.
Never admit fault
Do not apologize or say that the accident was your fault. That is up to the police and insurance companies to decide.
Exchange information
Always exchange names, addresses and insurance information. This way, you can get in touch while repairs are ongoing or if you find out that you suffered an injury.
Document everything
Take pictures of both cars. You will need these as evidence for your insurance company.
Car accidents happen every day. There were over 11,000 car crashes in Ocean County in 2020. Knowing what to do when you are in a car accident can make the experience less stressful.