Steps to Take After You Meet With An Accident

There is no fixed time when a tragedy might befall you while you’re on the road. Even if you’re a very careful driver, someone else’s mistake might cost you. The best thing you can do is be prepared with what can be done to alleviate the crisis.

Here are some things you should keep in mind in such situations:

1. Keep a Safety Kit and Updated Information: Always keep a first aid kit and a copies of your license, insurance and registration papers in the glove compartment of your vehicle. Maintain an emergency contact list, both on your phone and on paper, which should be kept securely with the above mentioned documents.
2. Call the police: In case either party is injured or if the other person is becoming aggressive, call the police and wait for help to arrive. 
3. Stay at the scene: Never leave the accident scene unless it’s appropriate to do so. Leaving, especially when another party is hurt, can make you a hit and run driver which is a serious offence.In case it’s a minor accident, you should move the car to the side and out of the way of oncoming traffic. If the car can’t be moved, drivers and passengers should keep their seatbelt fastened and wait for help to arrive. Make sure to keep the hazard lights on.
4. Exchange Information: After the accident, get information such as the names, numbers, drivers’ license numbers, license plate numbers, and basic insurance details of the people involved. If the driver’s name is different from the name of the insured, establish what the relationship between the two is and take down name of the passengers as well.  
5. Take the Injured party to the Hospital: Or in a situation where both parties are injured, ask someone in the crowd to take you both to a hospital.
6. Stay Calm: When you meet with an accident you need a level head to deal with the situation at hand. Therefore, stop and think rationally as to what has to be done.
7. Inform your Insurance Company: Immediately inform your insurance company that you’ve been in an accident. State all the facts clearly and truthfully. Lying to the insurance company can result in denial of coverage for the accident. It is always wise to know what your insurance policy covers before the accident has occurred; this makes the insurance process easier.

In the end, auto accidents are taxing, both financially and emotionally, and therefore do you best to be cordial and cooperative with all parties involved. With the increase in cases of reckless driving, there is a high chance of being involved in such an accident, you should make safety your first priority and follow the given tips, thus making this whole process smoother.