If you find yourself in a car accident that is your fault, it can be a confusing and frightening experience. What do you do now? Who pays for the damages? How will this affect your insurance rates?
In this blog post, Gosch Collision will walk you through what to do after an accident that is your fault. We will also advise you on handling the situation and keeping yourself safe. Stay tuned for more information!
Never leave the accident site:
Never leaving the accident scene is one of the first and most crucial things to remember. This can be tempting if you feel scared or embarrassed, but you must stay at the scene. If you leave or run, you could be charged with a hit and run, which is a serious offense. You will also not have the opportunity to exchange insurance information with the other driver, which could come back to bite you later. So, no matter how tempted you are, never leave the scene of an accident!
Call 911:
If the accident is minor and both cars are still drivable, you should move them to the side of the road. If not, you should immediately activate your hazard lights and dial 911. This will ensure that the medical help arrives as soon as possible.
Get the other driver's information:
Get the other driver's name, address, phone number, and insurance information. You will need this information to file a claim with their insurance company.
Call the police:
Call cops as soon as you have all of this information. Even if there are no severe injuries and the damage seems minor, it is still a good idea to have a police report on file. This will be helpful later if you need to make an insurance claim or even take legal action. The police can also help diffuse tense situations and keep everyone calm.
Do not admit your fault:
Even if the collision was your fault, you must refrain from blaming yourself when speaking to the other drivers or the authorities. This could be used against you later on, making it more challenging to get the compensation you deserve.
Contact your insurance company:
After you have called the police, you need to contact your insurance company to start the claims process. Be sure to have all the accident information handy when you call, including the police report number.
The claims process can be tricky, so it is important to follow your insurance company's instructions carefully. Sometimes, several auto shops may ask you to get estimates for repairs. Once you have collected all of the necessary paperwork, your insurance company will be able to process your claim and get you on the road to recovery.
While car accidents are never fun, knowing what to do afterward can help make the process a little less stressful.
Make the journey to Gosch Collision in Meadowbrook, California, if you are dealing with the aftermath of an accident and your car is still safe to drive. Our factory-trained repair specialists are ready to help you.