I think many teenagers will agree, that once you hit the legal age to drive it can often be all you think about. The chance to be independent and go exactly where you want to go. Buying your first car and not having to endure public transport. Being in charge of your own freedom and independence. At that age, it can be such a big deal and it certainly feels like there will never be an issue that takes away that excitement of driving. Of course, once you have been on the road for some time, the novelty can wear off a little. Sure you may get the same level of excitement when investing in a state of the art car, or buying the car of your dreams, but driving just becomes a means to an end. A part of your daily life.
However, accidents do happen, and often they are when we least expect it. Whether you are at fault, or whether someone happens to crash into you, the aftermath can be overwhelming, and we can often not take on fully exactly what should be done in that situation. Have you ever asked yourself what should I do after an auto accident? Have you ever contemplated how you might feel, what you might say, or how you might act? While no one wishes this on you, it is always wise to ensure that you are fully informed. So I thought I would share with you some of the forgotten aspects of being involved in a car accident.
Making sure you get enough evidence of the event
First things first, you need to ensure that you get as much evidence as you can. This means getting your smartphone out and taking pictures. Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle and to any other vehicles involved. Take a picture of the scene, the junction you came out of, or where the accident took place. All of these pictures will be important when discussing your claim with your insurance company and any attorney you get involved after in regards to compensation.
Obtaining witness details
Some people can be too focused on gaining the details of the other drivers involved, but actually, if you find yourself in a position where others have witnessed the accident make sure you get those details as well. Any one that can corroborate your story and help with your claim, be that if it is your fault or not, is going to help. This could be good if the accident is your fault as some people could exaggerate your speed or where you were, making the accident sound worse, a witness is someone not involved and they will dictate what actually happened, which could help with any claim moving forward.
Getting in touch with your insurance company as soon as possible
What you must do at your earliest convenience is get in touch with your insurance company and tell them your car has been involved in an accident. Your vehicle may not be drivable, and therefore, you may need a courtesy car or for your car to be towed away for repair. Your insurance will want to be involved in where the car goes, so please don’t forget to get in touch with them. This could certainly help you move things forward quickly.
