5 Things You Must Do After a Car Accident

When a car accident occurs, the crash can have a big impact on the driver's checking account and physical health. It is important to try to minimize the damage that can result from a crash.

There are five steps motorists need to take in order to try to limit their potential loss and protect their rights. Here's what they are. 

1. Stop at the crash scene

After an accident, it's critical to stop at the scene of the collision. Doing so is required by law and, of course, it's important to make sure no one has been hurt and to provide assistance if someone has been harmed by the accident. If you leave the scene, your actions could constitute a hit and run, and many states even consider hitting a parked car and driving away without leaving contact information as one, too. 

2. Obtain the contact information of the other driver and witnesses 

Any drivers involved in a collision should exchange contact information and provide details about their auto insurance policy. This is important because, in most cases, the driver at fault for the crash will be responsible for paying for damages sustained by other parties. Exchanging information allows for the insurance claims process to unfold properly.

If there were witnesses to the crash, it's a good idea to obtain their contact details as well. Sometimes, when a dispute arises over who is at fault and whose insurance must pay, those witnesses can be called upon to provide invaluable evidence. 

3. Report the accident to the police if required

Reporting accidents to the police is required in certain circumstances. State rules can differ on exactly when a crash must be reported. In general, though, an accident must be reported when anyone is hurt or killed or when a vehicle is damaged so severely it cannot be driven. 

When in doubt, it's usually best to contact the police to report the crash. Not only will this help to ensure that motorists are in full compliance with state laws, but if police come to the crash scene, they will also gather evidence that could be helpful in proving who is at fault for an accident. 

If police make a report at the crash scene, this can be used to show who caused the accident and whose insurance should pick up the tab for damages. Police may also issue a ticket, which can serve as additional evidence the driver who was ticketed should be held liable. In some circumstances, such as when a motorist was impaired, police may also be able to gather additional details relevant to the determination of fault and any resulting insurance claims. 

4. Contact your auto insurance company

All drivers involved in an accident should contact their insurers, even if they think the other motorist's coverage will pay the bills. Insurers help drivers navigate the claims process and recover funds even when someone else is to blame. If the at-fault driver has no insurance or too little coverage, crash victims may also rely on their own insurer to pay if they have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.

5. Get medical attention if there could be an issue

Finally, the last crucial step is to get medical attention if there's a chance the crash caused injury. 

Doctors can diagnose any issues that may be more serious than they initially seem. They can provide treatment for problems that do exist. And they can document injuries related to the collision, so those who were hurt have evidence needed to obtain proper compensation from the other motorists who harmed them.

Taking these five steps is crucial for any motorist who wants to protect their rights and make sure they minimize their losses following a motor vehicle accident.