Accidents that happen on the road are something that can teach anybody regardless of how cautious we are on the road. It could be a minor fender-bender, a more serious crash, but first things first after an accident is an important notion. Initial actions can do a lot in regard to safety, safety in the law, and the insuring procedure. In the event that you recently experienced a car accident in Auburn, AL, you need to remain calm and take appropriate measures to ensure that you manage the situation.

What Should You Do First After a Car Accident in Auburn, AL?

Since we now realize the importance of knowing what to do after a car accident, we will move on to the exact actions you need to take. The following steps will help you navigate the short term life of an auto accident and make sure that you are doing all you can to safeguard yourself and others.

1. Check for Injuries and Ensure Safety

The first action that you should undertake in the event of a car accident is checking yourself, your passengers, and other people involved in the accident on injuries. In case of injury to you or any other person call out 911 to get medical assistance. When serious injuries happen, avoid moving the injured person unless they are at risk (e.g. by traffic coming their way).

In case all appear to be fine, it is still good to have medical professionals examine all the people on the scene because some injuries are not manifested immediately.

When the well-being of everyone is considered, it is also worth trying to move your car to a place with less danger. Similar to most cities in Auburn, roads can be hectic, particularly around such areas as downtown or the university campus. Pulling your car on the shoulder of the roadside services can prevent additional accidents. Unless it is safe to drive your car, then turn-on your hazard lights to draw the attention of other motorists.

2. Call Emergency Services

Call 911 is one of the first things to take into consideration after making sure that you are safe. It will be necessary to report the car accident to police in Auburn, particularly in case of any injuries, serious damages or disagreements over who was at fault. Officers will come to the scene and conduct an investigation and develop an official report which can be utilized in insurance claims and legal proceedings.

Although the accident may not appear huge, it is better to call the authorities. Formal report may be a good document used in any future claim or law suits. Also, emergency responders are able to aid in the assessment of the situation and can give medical attention to anyone who requires the same.

3. Exchange Information with Other Drivers

After the emergency response team is on its way, the next thing to be done is the exchange of information with the other driver(s) who are involved in the accident. Their details will require the following:

• Names
• Driver’s license numbers
• Insurance information (company and policy number)
• Contact information (phone number and address)
• License plate numbers of all involved vehicles

Take the contacts of witnesses too in case they are available. Witnesses could assist in explaining what occurred and this would be beneficial in the insurance claims or in settling any argument.

4. Document the Scene

Once information has been exchanged, collecting as much evidence as can be made is important. Take photos of the accident scene from multiple angles. Record any damage of the vehicles, any skids on the road, road signs or any other evidence that may be useful.

A benefit of having detailed photos is that your insurance company can process your claim; this also acts as evidence in the event of a legal dispute. When you are not sure what to take pictures of, concentrate on:

• The damage to your vehicle and other vehicles
• The location and position of the vehicles
• Any visible road conditions (potholes, traffic lights, etc.)
• Skid marks or debris

5. Report the Accident to Authorities

In the event of any major damage or injury it is worth notifying the local authorities about the accident. According to the law in Auburn, AL, a report will have to be filed in case the accident leads to injury, death or even damage to property exceeding a specific number. The Auburn Police Department will draft an incident report consisting of all the information concerning the crash.

Remember the incident report number that the police gave you. This figure is critical when submitting the insurance claims or when you will have to mention the accident in future.

6. Contact Your Insurance Company

When you have reported the accident to the authorities and obtained all the information that is required, then it is time to call your insurance company. In the majority of insurance plans, you have to report an accident as soon as possible, even though you do not believe that you are at fault.

Don’t forget to give them all the information you gathered including the police report number, the details of the other driver, and a picture of the accident when calling your insurer. The insurance company will also assist you through the process of claims and explain to you what should be done next.

7. Roadside Assistance After an Accident in Auburn, AL

You might require roadside assistance in case your car is not driveable anymore. Roadside assistance can be given by many insurance providers that provide roadside assistance after an accident in Auburn to assist in towing services, tire changes, and other roadside services. In case your policy does not include roadside assistance, you may call a local towing company such as Burham Towing and have your car moved to a repair shop or to a safe place.

In case you cannot drive your car following the accident, a towing service will help remove much pressure on your shoulders. You should have the contacts of a reliable tow firm nearby in case of an emergency.

8. Seek Medical Attention

Although you may not feel injured immediately, it is always good to visit a doctor after an accident. Not all injuries such as whiplash or internal injuries may have symptoms right away. The assessment of your health can help you prevent any complications in the future and guarantee your health with the help of a medical professional.

You also need to have a medical record with your insurance claim in case of injury in a car crash. Unless you see a doctor immediately, it might be hard to establish that the injuries were as a result of the accident.

Safety Tips for Drivers After a Collision

These are some of the safety measures drivers should remember in case of a collision in Auburn, AL:

• Keep cool: You are likely to be upset when you have been involved in an accident but remaining calm will enable you to think better and behave more appropriately.
• Do not admit your fault: No matter how much you believe that you were the cause of the accident, do not own up at the scene. This can be applied on you in the future.
• Remain in your car: In the case of a risky neighborhood, remain in your automobile with your seatbelt on until the police arrive. This maintains you out of traffic.
• Don’t argue: when you are in a dispute with the other driver, then do not argue. Stay in exchanging the information needed and leave the authorities to take care of the situation.

Benefits of Following These Steps After an Accident

The right course of action can lead to a number of advantages after a car crash:

• Legal Protection: When you report about the accident, write down the scene, you insure yourself against possible legal problems.
• Insurance Claims: An accurate record and evidences of the accident can make the process of claiming your accident insurance easier and may help you get the compensation you need.
• Safety: The first thing that you need to take care of is the safety of everyone and seek medical care when necessary. Then, one should take into account the following steps to prevent additional damage.
• Peace of Mind: The awareness that you have done what you had to do may alleviate the stress and make you more competent to address the situation.

FAQs

Conclusion

The key to surviving a car crash in Auburn, AL, is being able to remain calm and take the proper action. These steps are taken to keep you safe and to make the process run smoothly because of reporting the accident, collecting evidence, and calling your insurance company.

When you require roadside assistance or towing following an accident, then visit Burnham Towing in Auburn. Check out our site and today see how we can help with information!