Some drivers are lucky enough to never know the stress and, sometimes pain, that comes along with a car accident. While we certainly hope our Plattsburgh, NY; Burlington, VT; Potsdam, Lake Placid, and Malone, NY customers are some of the lucky ones, we want to make sure you know what to do if you’re not.
If You Can, Move
Obviously some accidents will immobilize you and/or your vehicle. But, if you can, move out of harm’s way to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot. If you can’t move, or if you’re moving much slower than the rest of traffic, turn your flashers on right away to alert other drivers.
Call 9-1-1
Even if the damage isn’t much, or the other parties involved say it isn’t necessary, you’re going to want a police report. This could come in handy if you end up in court or need documentation on damage done to your vehicle. If the authorities deem that it is unnecessary for them to come to the scene, they will prompt you on how to proceed.
Document Everything
An insurance company and/or an accident lawyer will be grateful for this. Take pictures of the scene and any damage to the vehicle or yourself with your phone or a disposable in your glovebox. Be sure to get contact information for everyone involved and any bystanders that saw the accident happen. It’s good to do this right away since time can distort your memory.
Know The Laws
Before hitting the road, it’s a good idea to know the laws of the state you’re in. If you’re someone that travels frequently, especially out of state, you’ll want to know the laws accompanying an accident. Is it an at-fault or no-fault state? Also, avoid admitting fault even if you know you were responsible. It is best to allow the authorities and insurance company to determine fault.
Dee, Sarah. “Do You Know What to Do after a Car Accident?” Autoblog. Autoblog, 10 Nov. 2016. Web. 30 Nov. 2016.
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