When you get into an accident, essential steps need to be taken. These steps are taken to ensure that everyone aboard is OK and how to move on with claiming insurance etc.
The parameters mentioned below are issued by the Insurance Information Institute (III) to guide the individual who has been in the accident, irrespective of being at fault or not. The parameters are mentioned below.
STEP 1: CHECK YOURSELF FOR ANY INJURIES
If, by chance, you are injured, try calling emergency support such as the police or the ambulance, and if you are heavily injured, try your best not to move from your place. Doing so may increase the chance of blood loss or may increase the wound pain. In case of significant injuries, try taking the help of other people around you and ask them to call the emergency support department.
STEP 2: CHECK WHETHER YOUR PASSENGERS ARE FINE
If you are not majorly injured, check on the well-being of the seated passengers. If anyone is injured, get on a call with the emergency service department or request a bystander to do so.
STEP 3: RESCUE YOURSELF FOR SAFETY
If you are not heavily injured, a good suggestion is to move to the side of the road or on a sidewalk. If the Driver can drive the car to a safe spot, do so as quickly as possible. Otherwise, leave the vehicle as it is and ensure that you rescue yourself for safety.
STEP 4: CALL 100 or 911
Whether the accident is considered a minor or a major one, your primary duty is to inform the police. If the police authority fails to reach the accident scene due to some circumstances, try visiting the nearest police station.
The police must prepare a scene report and execute the best plan to resolve the problem. Preparing a police report will help you while you file an insurance return, as the insurer may ask for a copy of the police report.
STEP 5: WAIT FOR HELP
The essential step is to turn off the car engine. Following that, turn on your hazard lights and road flares which you can find in the emergency kit provided by the company. This will ensure the safety of other travellers and warn them to slow down.
STEP 6: EXCHANGE EACHOTHER’S INFORMATION
After you make sure that you and the passenger are not injured, you should exchange essential pieces of information, which are listed below:
- Location of the accident
- Name and Contact details
- Model, colour, and type of vehicle
- Policy number of the insurance company
- License plate number and Driver’s license
STEP 7: DOCUMENT THE ACCIDENT DETAILS
The three recommendations to protect yourself are as follows:
- Takedown names
Note the names of both the parties involved in the accident, including passengers in the opposite vehicle, if any.
- Take Pictures
Visualize the scene thoroughly and document every detail precisely. Take pictures of both the vehicles from different angles when the impact has occurred. It is suggested to develop a video clip to ensure the accident’s audacity. When claiming insurance, these pictures and documentation would play an essential role.
- Identity the officers
After the police arrive, note down the names and badge numbers of the officials.
- Talk to witness
If the scene consisted of witnesses, note down their contact numbers and other necessary information required in the future.
- Get a copy of the accident report.
Request the police officers to obtain a copy of the report as the insurer may ask for a copy to ease claiming insurance.
STEP 8: START THE CLAIMING PROCESS BY NOTIFYING YOUR INSURER
If you wish to contact your insurance officer while you are on the scene, this will help you learn what document the insurer would need to initiate the process.
CONCLUSION
An accident also baffles an experienced driver, but following the above steps would simplify the process and protect you from unnecessary worries. The toy can focus on the medical treatment or the insurance claiming process.
To be more prepared for an accident, you can keep a copy of this article in your car.
