Accident/Collision Checklist: What To Do & Who To Call First

When a car accident happens, it’s normal to feel disoriented and experience a bit of shock. As a result, it can be difficult to know what to do first. To help you take the right steps in the event of a vehicular accident, the team at Jaguar West Columbia put this guide together. Review what to do after a car accident and who to call first for your safety and peace of mind. We also review what not to do after a car accident. If you have any questions about the following information, please contact our team in Clarksville. We are here to help drivers throughout Ellicott City and Bethesda stay safe. 

What To Do After A Car Accident

The first thing to do after a car accident is to check yourself for injuries. Depending on the nature of the accident, minor to more serious injuries can occur, such as whiplash, abrasions, contusions, and head trauma. Once you finish a self-inspection and feel well enough to move, check on your passengers, if applicable. Ask them how they feel and if they notice any injuries. Even if you and everyone in your vehicle appear to be okay, call 911 to report the accident. Some injuries, such as whiplash, take time to manifest. Should you experience injuries, try not to move until emergency assistance arrives. The same is true of any injured passengers. 

Depending on where you live, calling 911 to report the accident may be required by law. 

You’ll also want to perform the following steps if you can: 

• Find A Safe Place: If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location if it is currently in an unsafe area, such as the middle of the road. If you cannot move your vehicle but can walk, find a safe area to wait for emergency medical technicians. 
• Exchange Contact Information: Provide your contact information to the other driver(s), if applicable, and request their contact information. Ask for their full name and other contact info, as well as their insurance carrier(s) and policy number(s). You will also need their driver’s license information and license plate number(s). 
• Take Photos And Speak With Witnesses: Secure the names and contact information of any witnesses, and take photos and videos of the accident. These steps provide your insurance carrier with the information needed to process the claim. You’ll also want the names of the responding police officers for claim reasons. 

What Not To Do After A Car Accident

Now that you know what to do and who to call after a car accident, let’s review what not to do. Knowing what not to do after a car accident is just as important, especially for legal and insurance purposes: 

• Don’t Leave The Scene: Stay at the accident scene; leaving is typically unlawful and can result in criminal charges. Leaving the scene also prevents you from gathering insurance claim evidence and can result in medical complications if you are injured and do not receive the right care. If your vehicle is damaged, driving it can be dangerous to you and other drivers. 
• Do Not Admit Guilt: Refrain from saying anything indicating you are responsible for the accident. Even if you are responsible or partially to blame, admitting guilt can cause insurance claim issues. Instead, focus on exchanging information with the other parties and on using your phone to photograph your vehicle and the rest of the accident scene. 
• Don’t Assume You Are Okay: Allow medical professionals to inspect you for injuries, both at the scene and at a nearby doctor’s office. This is necessary not only to ensure you do not have any serious injuries, such as internal bleeding, but also for insurance purposes. Provide the physician with as much information as possible about the accident and how you currently feel. You’ll also want a copy of your medical report to furnish to your insurance carrier. 

Learn More With Jaguar West Columbia

Do you have any questions about what to do after a car accident? Call 443-569-4007 or contact us online today. If you are in the market for a new or pre-owned vehicle following a car accident, please visit our dealership near Columbia. We are also happy to schedule your test drive and invite you to browse our latest new and used vehicle specials.