{"id":15001,"date":"2024-02-01T13:50:16","date_gmt":"2024-02-01T13:50:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/delandgibson.com\/?p=15001"},"modified":"2024-02-01T15:47:42","modified_gmt":"2024-02-01T15:47:42","slug":"national-car-insurance-day-what-to-do-after-a-car-accident","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/delandgibson.com\/blog\/2024\/02\/01\/national-car-insurance-day-what-to-do-after-a-car-accident\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Do After a Car Accident"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

February 1st is National Car Insurance Day<\/strong> – a day we’re sure everyone has marked on their calendar. In all seriousness, though, it’s a fitting day to dive into a discussion on car insurance and what to do after you have had a collision. It is easy to discuss the ins and outs of what your car insurance policy covers, but importantly, one needs to know the various steps to take immediately following an accident. So, buckle up<\/strong>, pun intended, and let’s get into this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You’ve Had a Car Accident, Now What?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Car accidents can be hugely stressful experiences that can leave individuals shaken. To make matters more challenging, amidst all the stress of an accident, one must take several key measures that will directly impact the aftermath of the collision and how easily and effectively your insurance company can process the claim. The following steps are an essential guide to help assist in the wake of an accident. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prioritize Safety<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You’ve had an accident, stress is through the roof, and you are trying to get your bearings. Your top priority should always be the safety of all parties involved. Check on yourself and your passengers first, and immediately ensure everyone is out of harm’s way. If necessary, call emergency services. If there has been an injury, or you are unsure, do not delay. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Call the Local Police Department<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Contact the local police department while at the accident site, and they will guide you on the next course of action. The police will respond as necessary, filing an official report for accidents with personal injury or substantial property damage. Even if not obligatory, obtaining an official record of the incident is advisable. Following the incident, be sure to secure a copy of the police report for your records.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exchange Information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Now that everyone’s safety has been ensured, it is time to get into the critical steps that will make a notable difference in the process. The first step is to exchange information with the other party\/ies involved in the accident. Remember you want to exchange:<\/p>\n\n\n\n