Experiencing a car accident can be a jarring and stressful event, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what steps to take next. However, remaining calm and focused is crucial to ensure your safety and protect your interests. Knowing what to do after a car accident is essential, as it can help you navigate the aftermath effectively and efficiently. From ensuring everyone’s well-being to documenting the incident and contacting the necessary authorities and your local towing company, this guide will provide a step-by-step approach to handling the situation and protecting your rights.
Do Not Leave the Scene
In the aftermath of a car accident, it’s vital to remain present and attentive as you navigate the chaos. Don’t make the mistake of hastily departing the scene, even if your nerves are frayed, and you’re eager to be on your way. In fact, leaving without exchanging essential information with the other parties involved could result in significant legal repercussions, such as a hit-and-run charge. If a law enforcement officer is present, it’s especially crucial to await their permission to leave, allowing them to conduct their investigation and ensure all necessary steps have been taken.
Call 911 and Get a Police Report
Reporting it to local law enforcement is a legal requirement if certain criteria are met in the unfortunate event of a car accident. However, it’s important to note that reporting the accident to the police does not automatically alert the Oregon DMV. To safeguard your driving privileges, you must separately notify the DMV of the accident. Emergencies can be reported by calling 911, while non-emergency situations can be handled by calling one of the Oregon State Police Department’s designated phone numbers. Stay informed and stay safe on the roads.
Get Witness Contact Information
One of the best things you can do to ease your mind and ensure a strong case, if necessary, is to gather witness contact information. These neutral third-party accounts can hold up in court and provide invaluable insight into what happened before and during the incident. If you’re lucky enough to have willing witnesses, politely ask for their information and if they can wait for the police to arrive. If the accident occurred on private property, turn to security or a manager to make a statement. With their help, you can feel more confident in navigating the aftermath of an accident.
Don’t Admit Fault
As a responsible driver, it’s important to remain calm and avoid making any rash decisions after being involved in a driving accident. The reality is you may not know the full extent of the damage or injuries just yet. It’s understandable to feel apologetic, but it’s crucial not to admit any fault or accept immediate compensation from the other driver. It’s also wise to refrain from signing any documents unless they are for the police or your own insurance company.
Exchange Insurance and Contact Information with Anyone Involved
It’s important to remember that providing only your name and insurance information is generally all that’s needed. While you may think that discussing the specifics of the crash with the other driver is helpful, it’s best to limit your interaction to avoid admitting guilt or blaming the other person. Instead, focus on the following:
- Collecting key information like the other driver’s name, insurance information, and policy number
- Witness contact information
- Police report number, a copy of the report if you can, and name and badge number of the officer
By being professional and taking these steps, you can help ensure a smoother process when working with insurance companies and processing any necessary claims.
Take Photos of the Accident and Gather Auto Information of Anyone Involved
When you are in a car accident, staying calm and collected is important. In addition to identifying any witnesses to the accident, gathering evidence is crucial. Take note of every detail related to the vehicles involved in the accident. This includes the make, model, year, license plate number (even a partial is helpful), and general description.
Snap photos of any vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signals, and area conditions, as these could prove invaluable information later on.
Keep your eyes peeled for nearby cameras, such as surveillance or doorbell cameras, and mentally note their location. It’s always better to have more information than not enough, so take your time and be thorough in your assessment of the scene.
Write Down What Happened
It is important to take the time to jot down what happened as best you can. A quiet moment is all you need to put together all the pieces.
- Start by writing down the specific location, time, and accident date.
- Then, move on to the direction you were driving and where you were on the road when the collision occurred. Include what you were doing at that moment.
- Finally, detail what the other car was doing during the incident.
With this information, you will be able to accurately detail the events. Writing down these details will make it easier to move forward and explain to insurance companies.
Contact Your Insurance Company to File a Claim
No one ever wants to be involved in a car accident, but unfortunately, they happen. Whether it was your fault or someone else’s, it’s always a smart idea to inform your car insurance company that an accident occurred. This will allow your insurer to assess the situation and help you determine your best course of action moving forward. To open a claim, your insurance company may only require some basic information about the accident. So, be sure to gather any pictures you took of the damage and provide them with as much detail as possible.
Contact the Local Towing Company You Can Rely On at Speed’s Towing
No one wants to be stranded on the side of the road after an accident. That’s why it’s vital to know who to call when you need a reliable towing service in the Tualatin area. Speed’s Towing is the premier choice for expert towing services, providing assistance with light- and medium-duty tow trucks and emergency vehicle towing after an accident. Our towing providers treat each customer like family and work tirelessly to ensure both you and your vehicle’s safety. We understand that emergencies can happen at any time, which is why we have a 24/7 dispatch team ready to respond to your call. Even if you’re not currently in need of our expert services, it’s always helpful to have a trusted name like Speed’s Towing in your phonebook.
Contact us immediately if you have been in an auto accident and need quick response times.
The friendly towing services we provide:
- Emergency Towing Services
- Roadside Services (flat tires, lockout services, car accidents etc.)
- Light Towing and Medium Towing Services
Visit our About Us page for more information about our professional towing company.