What Should You Do Right After a Wreck?

You see it happening right in front of you, and there’s nothing you can do to stop it. In what seems like slow motion, your car collides with another car. And suddenly your car is no longer moving. You have just been in a car accident. Now what? What you do next can make a big difference on your safety and the outcome of the accident.

First, you need to take a minute for yourself.

Take some deep breaths and try to take in what just happened to you. The last thing you want to do is to get out of your car and start going crazy. This will not accomplish anything but giving your friends something to laugh at for many years to come. After you have taken some time to gather your thoughts, you can then start taking action.

Start by calling the cops.

After making sure everyone in your car is okay, it is time to call the police. Even if you are afraid of getting a traffic ticket, it is very important that you do not skip this step. Not only is it a law in most states, it can also save you down the road. Without a police report, it is just a he-said, she-said battle for liability. And never admit that you did anything wrong. No matter what. The cops are trained to assess the situation and properly determine what happened and whose fault it was.

What about the car?

After the cops are on the way, it is time to assess your car and your surroundings. Does your car have minor damage? Then drive it out of the roadway to prevent another car from hitting you. If it is not drivable, put on your hazard lights and keep on your seatbelt. Unless you are in the middle of nowhere, it is a good idea to remain in your car regardless just to prevent any further injuries. Once the cops arrive, you are now free to get out of your vehicle.

Now it is time to become your own detective.

Everyone knows you need to exchange insurance information with the other driver, but you also need to do a little of your own recon work. You never know what information you may need in the future. Take pictures of all vehicles involved, street signs, and current traffic conditions. Not only that, but you should immediately write down any details of the accident that you remember. Even though it may seem unforgettable, the small details will quickly become fuzzy in your memory.