5 Important Things You Need to Do After a Car Accident

Accidents are unpredictable, and unfortunately, a common occurrence even to the most careful drivers on the road. After being involved in a car accident, it is common to feel overwhelmed with stress and anxiety, and one of the most important things to remember is to stay as calm and focused as possible. If you have never been in an accident before, you may not know what to do first. Ready to learn about the proper steps to take after being involved in a car accident to ensure the safety of yourself and others involved.

Never leave the scene

No matter how minor the incident may be, you should never leave the scene of an accident. Leaving the scene without stopping to report the event to the police is against the law and could result in severe consequences. Typically, drivers who leave the scene of an accident will be charged for hit and run, which is often categorized as a misdemeanor or felony offense.

Check for injuries 

Whether the accident was minor or major, one of the first things and most important things you should do is check yourself and others involved for any injuries that may have resulted from the collision. If you or your passengers or other drivers have an injury, call 911 immediately to get professional help.

Move to a safe area 

If you are involved in a minor accident, and the vehicles are still operable, be sure to move your car off the main road or highway to avoid any further damage from oncoming traffic. If your car has emergency triangle signals, turn them on so that other cars know to stay clear of your area. If your vehicle is no longer operable, but you are able to safely get out of the car, move yourself and anyone around you out of the way of the car in case of a possible explosion or flying debris. 

Exchange information

Some states are more strict than others when it comes to providing information at an accident scene. However, it’s essential to get as much information as you can to have on hand. A few key pieces of information that you should obtain include: 

• the name and insurance of other drivers involved 
• the phone numbers of other drivers involved  
• contact information of any witnesses nearby 
• photos of the damage 
• a police report number, and details of the accident that you may be easy to overlook or forget. 

Seek medical treatment

Even if you do not feel immediate injury symptoms following a car accident, or if you only have minor pain, it is important to seek medical treatment to ensure there is no underlying damage. It is common for injuries to take time to fully develop, and they will worsen over time. Only a medical professional will be able to detect and diagnose injuries before they get the chance to worsen and provide you with necessary treatments and solutions. 

NY and NJ #1 Accident & Injury Resource Center

Accidents happen, and Accident Help Zone is prepared to help you with the next steps. If you have been injured in an auto accident in New York or New Jersey and need guidance about what to do next, please contact us today.