A vehicular accident can happen in seconds and leave you confused. What you do next really matters. Staying calm and taking simple steps can help you stay safe, helping you build a strong insurance claim for the damages caused.
Safety is your first priority
You should first focus on your safety. Call 911 if anyone is injured or if the damage is serious. Police will document the crash and help arrange medical care. If it’s safe, move your vehicle out of traffic and turn on your hazard lights. Even if you feel fine, get checked by a doctor since some injuries may not show up immediately.
Collect essential information for a strong claim
If you are filing a claim over the injuries you have sustained from the accident, you will need strong evidence. Your claim is only as strong as the proof you bring.
The following steps can help protect your claim while providing you with strong evidence:
- Exchange basic details with the other driver (name, phone number, address)
- Note driver’s license and insurance information carefully
- Record vehicle details like make, model and color
- Take clear photos of vehicles, road conditions, signs and injuries
- Collect contact details from any witnesses present
Having this information ready can make your insurance and legal process much smoother.
Cooperate with the police and make sure to get the report number, as it is important for insurance claims. If a report isn’t made at the scene, ask how to obtain one later.
Inform your insurance company quickly, but only share accurate facts and avoid guessing or admitting fault. Keep all records like medical reports, repair bills and photos safely.
Determining fault after an accident
Ohio is an “at-fault” state when it comes to handling car collisions. What this means is that the driver responsible for the collision is liable for damages. You may be able to recover damages if you are 50% or less at fault for a crash, determined through several factors, such as whether you or the other driver were speeding, running a red light, failing to yield to the other and so on.
The process of determining liability can be complicated. An attorney may be able to help you figure out if you can recover damages for the injuries you have sustained for a collision.
Acting quickly and staying calm goes a long way
Vehicular collisions can happen in an instant, and the following moments can be terrifying and confusing. However, keeping a level head and acting quickly to secure evidence will be immensely helpful in your claim, should you choose to pursue one. Remember that before you start collecting any proof, you should ensure the safety of yourself, your passengers and the passengers of the other vehicle involved in the collision.