Immediately after a car accident, your priority should be to ensure your safety and that of your passengers. Once you’ve pulled off to the side of the road and checked yourself for injuries, you can start to take stock of the incident. While insurance coverage should be able to help pay for damages and medical costs, taking the steps below will support your claim. 

What to Do Following a Collision

1. Call 911

First, call 911 to summon officers to the scene. They may bring paramedics to further examine you and your passengers for signs of injury. They will also file a police report, which will record the details of the accident, including the parties involved and the perceived chain of events. Later on, when you talk to your insurance company, they will ask for this report.

2. Document the Details

While the police will attempt to report on the accident objectively, you can protect your own interests by gathering evidence yourself. Take photos of the vehicular damage, as well as any tire marks or debris left in the road. If weather or other environmental concerns—like a sign hidden by brush—affected the outcome, photograph this too.

If there were any witnesses present, jot down their phone numbers and names. If they are willing, you could also record their testimony on the scene with your smartphone camera.

3. Contact Your Car Insurance Coverage Provider

Finally, reach out to your car insurance provider and let them know you’ve been in an accident. This will kickstart the claims process so that you can receive compensation for your car repairs or medical bills. If your car needs immediate repairs, the insurance agent might be able to help you find a nearby mechanic and provide you with a rental car for temporary transportation.

If you require affordable car insurance coverage to protect you in case of an accident, turn to Bob Shropshire Bail Bonds in Cincinnati, OH. In addition to standard policies, they also offer SR-22 insurance. They have over four generations of experience helping area residents overcome life’s unfortunate surprises. To learn more about their offerings, visit the website. Call (513) 721-3915 with questions or to request a quote.