June 14, 2022
What Should You Do After a Car Crash?
Photo by Clark Van Der Beken under Unsplash License
Car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. If ever you get into one, you must be fully aware of the steps you need to take. Even if there’s no serious damage to your car, you should stop and take steps to document what happened.
This checklist will serve as your guide if you find yourself involved in a car crash, whether or not you’re the one at fault.
- Check if you and your passengers (if any) suffered wounds or injuries.
If you or any of your passengers need urgent medical care, call 911 or any emergency services right away. If you are seriously injured, don’t make hasty movements that could aggravate your condition. Just wait for the emergency personnel to arrive.
- Get to safety.
If the crash didn’t hurt you badly, move to the side of the road. If you think your car is still safe to drive, pull over to the sidewalk particularly if it’s blocking road traffic. Otherwise, you may leave your car as it is while you head somewhere to recuperate.
- Call the police.
Call the police to secure an official report of what happened. The responding officers will document the scene and fill out an accident report. If they fail to show up, you can go to the nearest police station and report the accident.
- Exchange information with the other driver or drivers.
Aside from contact and insurance information, including the insurance company and policy numbers, here are the details you and the other driver or drivers (if the crash involves multiple vehicles) should exchange after the crash:
- Full name
- Complete address
- Driver’s license and license plate number
- Location of accident
- Vehicle make, model, color, and year
- Vehicle registration information
It’s best to avoid pointing fingers when going over the facts. The adjuster reviewing your insurance claims will be the one to determine who’s at fault. They’ll be looking at the inspection report on the damaged vehicles or property, the information you and the involved parties provided, and any supporting documents.
- Document the accident.
While the police will be documenting the scene of the accident, you should also do your own documenting. Take photos of your vehicle from different angles, especially if there are damages. Don’t forget to take a picture of the license plate of the other cars.
Write the names of everyone involved in the accident, including the passengers of the other vehicles. If there are eyewitnesses at the scene of the accident, write their names and contact details, too.
Lastly, identify the responding officers and jot down their badge numbers. Ask them where you can obtain a copy of the accident report. Your insurer may need it when you file your car insurance claims.
- Inform your insurance agent.
If you can, call your insurer while you’re at the scene so that they can tell you exactly what you have to do and submit so they can start processing your insurance claims. Alternatively, if your insurance company has an app, you can use it to start the claims process.
Turn Your Damaged Car into a Tool for Uplifting the Lives of Our Suffering Veterans
If your car has suffered damages from a road accident and you’re no longer interested in having it repaired for whatever reason, consider donating it to us at Veteran Car Donations. We’ll take your vehicle as it is and use it for the benefit of the struggling veterans in your local area.
Our team will put your auto up for auction, with the proceeds going to the reputable military and veteran nonprofit organizations that are in partnership with us. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits are committed to helping former U.S. service members who are homeless, unable to find decent jobs, and suffering from serious disabilities and illnesses, including mental health disorders.
Our charity partners use the funding we give to provide deserving veterans with free quality health care, financial aid, housing assistance, employment opportunities, family support, educational scholarships, psychotherapy services, and many other benefits.
To thank you for your charitable contribution, we’ll pick up and tow away your vehicle for free anywhere in the country. We’ll also promptly send you the 100% tax-deductible sales receipt of your car so you can claim the highest possible tax deduction in the next tax season.
Since we welcome nearly all types of vehicles, feel free to donate a car, truck, van, RV, motorcycle, boat, or even an old motorized wheelchair.
Check out our FAQs page for more information on our vehicle donation program, including our quick and convenient donation process. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call us through our 24/7 toll-free hotline at 877-594-5822 or you may send us a message here.
Help Provide Dignity to Our Hurting Heroes Today!
Photo by Garvin St. Villier under Pexels License
You can turn your damaged vehicle into a powerful tool that can provide opportunities for our nation’s hurting heroes to finally live the decent and dignified life they deserve. Donate your vehicle by calling Veteran Car Donations at 877-594-5822 or filling out our secure online donation form now!
Last Updated: August 24th, 2023