So you’ve been in a car accident. Now what? It’s something that happens to the best of us. While any car accident can happen very fast and be a scary time, there are necessary precautions that you must take. Follow these dos and don’ts to ensure that you protect yourself in the event of a car accident.
DO: Put safety first. The safety of all parties involved should be the first priority. Cars are replaceable, but people are not.
DON’T: Deny that you are injured and refuse medical care. Any person involved in a car accident should be checked out at a hospital or by a physician immediately for safety measures. In addition, documentation of injuries is necessary in case there are any discrepancies in court.
DO: Remove yourself from a dangerous situation. If the vehicle is on fire or you feel that you could be in immediate danger, relocate to a safe area.
DON’T: Move another person if they are severely injured unless you have medical training or until an ambulance arrives. This could not only cause more injuries, but the victim could sue you at a later time.
DO: Call the police and your insurance provider immediately. Without a police report, there is no real proof of what happened.
DON’T: Take someone’s word for it that a police report is not needed. Even if the parties want to settle out of pocket without using insurance, it is still important to notify your local law enforcement. Never leave the scene of an accident before the police report is filed.
DO: Remain calm. Initial panic does nothing to solve the problem.
DON’T: Point fingers and place blame. While it is important to establish who was at fault, getting angry will only make the claims process more grueling. Remember, accidents happen.
If you have been in a car accident or have any questions, contact Allstate agent Royce Williams by calling (615) 356-4800. Since 1989, Royce Williams Insurance has been serving families in Nashville for all of their car insurance needs.
