Being involved in an auto accident can shake a person up. While some Oklahoma car accidents are slight fender-benders, others can be fatal. While you may not want to think about being involved in a traffic accident, it’s important to know how to address the situation after an accident occurs.
Assess the scene
Car accidents can produce a variety of injuries ranging from mild to fatal. It’s important to take the time to assess the situation after the accident and determine if anyone is injured and needs medical assistance. If any party is injured, it’s important to call 911 right away to get them emergency medical care. If all parties involved in the accident are free from injuries, you should seek a safe location to discuss the accident.
Contact the authorities
In the event that your car accident is more than a fender bender, it’s important to have an accident report done. You’ll need to contact your local police department to come out and file an accident report. This report will be requested by your insurance company when a claim is submitted for repairs. It’s always advisable to contact the authorities before you swap any information so that they can get to you much quicker.
Swap information with the other driver
Once you and the other party are in a safe position, it’s time to exchange your information. You want to get their driver’s license and their insurance card. Notate the driver’s name, license number, auto insurance carrier and policy number. During this time, it’s a good idea to speak to any witnesses at the scene and ask for their contact information for later use.
Being involved in a car accident is not something that any of us want to do. However, these accidents do happen every single day, and being prepared can help ensure that the claims process goes as smoothly as possible. If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, it’s always advisable that you speak with an attorney to ensure that you receive the compensation that you deserve.
