{"id":782,"date":"2024-01-17T20:06:59","date_gmt":"2024-01-17T20:06:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.carregistration.com\/blog\/?p=782"},"modified":"2024-01-17T20:07:00","modified_gmt":"2024-01-17T20:07:00","slug":"dont-panic-what-to-do-after-a-car-accident","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carregistration.com\/blog\/dont-panic-what-to-do-after-a-car-accident\/","title":{"rendered":"Don\u2019t Panic: What To Do After a Car Accident"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Car accidents are often scary and stressful. Some people fear being involved in an auto accident as soon as they start their car. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that in 2021, more than 6 million vehicle accidents<\/a> occurred in the US.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019re involved in a minor fender bender or a more serious accident, it can be difficult to think clearly. Here are some important steps you need to take to protect yourself and others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Determine If Anyone Is Hurt<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The first thing you should NEVER do is leave the scene of an accident. Whether you have minor scrapes and bruises and the other parties involved are not hurt, you should never leave the scene of the accident. Your first responsibility after an auto accident is safety. Make sure you and the other parties involved, if any, are okay. Don\u2019t wait to get medical assistance. Get help immediately for the individuals who need it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Remove Yourself and Your Vehicle Away From Danger<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you can, move your vehicle to the shoulder of the road so it doesn\u2019t disrupt the flow of traffic. Put your hazard lights on and use flares and reflective emergency triangles if you have them to let other drivers know that there is an emergency. The reflective emergency triangles create a barrier between your vehicle and oncoming traffic so your vehicle isn\u2019t further damaged, and other cars aren\u2019t damaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reflective triangles also alert drivers to slow down and change lanes to help them stay clear of the accident. Many states have a Move Over law that states that drivers are required to move to a different lane in the event a vehicle has stopped or been pulled over by authorities. If the crash is severe and someone is injured, leave the vehicles where they are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if you feel fine and don\u2019t think you\u2019ve been injured, be careful when you exit your vehicle, especially if the accident occurred on a busy street or a highway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Call the Authorities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important to report the accident by calling the police. However, police officers in certain areas may not respond to a minor collision if there are no injuries. Why? In most states, there is a shortage of police officers, which means there are fewer officers available to respond to minor auto accidents. Also, more officers are retiring or resigning faster than replacements can be hired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because of the shortage of officers, many states are considering online reporting instead of having an officer report to the scene of the accident. However, if an officer does arrive, make sure you get their name, badge number, and contact information. You will also need a copy of the accident report, which you can get from the officer. If an officer doesn\u2019t arrive, you can request a copy of the accident report from the law enforcement branch or through the auto insurance adjuster who is handling your claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important to note that you can also file an incident report at your local police department. You\u2019ll still want to get an official incident report in case the other driver(s) sue you for damages or injuries. This report is also great to have if it is later determined that your vehicle sustained more damage than was thought originally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Collect Essential Information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you have your cell phone, use it to take pictures of the scene of the accident and keep track of important information, such as the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all drivers involved in the accident. You\u2019ll also want to write down or document the driver\u2019s license number of everyone involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the driver\u2019s name doesn\u2019t match the name of the individual who\u2019s listed on the car\u2019s registration or auto insurance documents, determine the person\u2019s relationship to the owner of the vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next, you\u2019ll need the following vehicle information:<\/p>\n\n\n\n