A car accident can happen to the safest of drivers no matter how careful you are. You may end up in a state of panic while anxiously scurrying around without the slightest inkling of what to do. This is why it is important to load up on information on what you should do or look out for following a collision. If the right steps are taken immediately after a car accident, you can stop a bad situation from turning into a worse one. Here are some things to remember if you are ever in a car accident.
After the Car Accident
Stay Calm & Check for Any Sign of Injury
Take deep breaths and try to assess the situation in your car first. Check for any sign of injury on yourself and others in the car. It’s always best to stay calm so that you will be able to make fast and logical decisions easily if needed.
Move Your Car to a Safe Location
If your car isn’t badly damaged and can be driven, turn on your hazard lights and move your car to the side of the road to avoid another accident, road congestion, or traffic jam.
Assess the Exterior Condition of Your Car
Once you are out of harm’s way, step out of your car while also making sure the other party or parties involved step out of their car as well unless they are badly injured and you should call for help. Check the severity of the accident on your car by going around and assessing your car.
Take Pictures & Exchange Information
Start snapping away! As proof of the accident, always remember to take pictures of the damages caused by the accident to all parties involved. This will come in handy if you are blamed for an accident you did not cause. Some other useful photos that can be used as proof can be images of skid marks on the road and the exact location of the accident.
Take down the details of the other vehicles and parties involved in the accident. This includes:
- Car registration number.
- Car model, model year, and color.
- Driver’s name, address, and phone number.
- Driver’s IC and driving license number.
- Witnesses’ name, address, and phone number.
Agreement with Parties Involved
Depending on the accident, you could come to an agreement with the other party on settling the matter if the damages are not severe. In most minor accidents, drivers would usually come to an agreement to a payment settlement without involving the police. But, do take note that if your repair costs are under a certain value, you might not be able to make an insurance claim. But if the damage is severe, proceed to make a police report.
After the Accident
Make a Police Report
You should make a police report within 24 hours of the accident for it to be valid. Do remember to bring along your driving license and your identification card.
The officer at the police station will take down the details of the accident and your personal particulars, and after a short inquiry, the officer will conclude on who is responsible for the accident and will issue summons. You must pay the summons within a month.
Insurance Claim
Call your insurance agent or their assistance hotline as soon as possible if you will be able to make an insurance claim. If you are found guilty of causing the accident, you might not want to put in an insurance claim (if the damage is not severe) as it would affect your No-Claim Discount (NCD).
They will ask questions on the accident and will advise, as well as assist in arranging a tow truck to the nearest authorized panel workshop. Failing to send your vehicle to an approved workshop might prevent you from claiming any damages from the accident.
The insurance company will send a loss adjuster to assess the damage to your vehicle and find out who’s responsible. A conclusion will be made and the insurance company will be informed on how much you’d be able to claim from the accident. This will result in either a claim from your insurance or the other party’s insurance company.
Send Your Car to the Appointed Worksho
If you are planning to claim insurance for the damage to your car, you would have to send your car to an appointed workshop approved by your insurance company. If you do not do as requested, your insurance claim might not be approved.
What Not to do During a Car Accident
Car accidents can cause panic and frustration especially if it is your very first accident. Now that you know what you should do if you get into an accident, here are some things you should not do when a car accident happens.
- No matter whose fault it is, do not admit it was your fault without consulting your insurance agent first.
- Without seeking the advice of your insurance agent, do not also agree or offer a settlement for the accident.
- Do not sign anything without reading it first or confirming it over with your insurance agent even if the other party says it is from your insurance company.
- As things are already heated up, do not start a fight by playing the blame game.
It’s Always Important to Drive & Stay Safe on the Road
Though accidents can happen anywhere and anytime, it does not hurt to drive a little safer so that you are not the cause of the accident.
With interdistrict restrictions loosening, make sure you keep your eyes on the road and both hands on the wheel when you travel. Have a safe drive!
Read also: How To Maintain Your Car Engine During MCO
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