How to React After a Car Accident

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Always keep an accident pack in the car.

   It is law that you stop if you hit a domestic animal or a person. ,, If you happen to be traveling by hire car in a different country, get the number of their emergency services before starting out on any journey. , Shouting and screaming will only make matters worse. , Car registration numbers, location, and photos can all come in useful, particularly if you will be making an insurance claim. ,, Include street names and direction of travel in your notes as the person dealing with your claim may not be local and may not know the area. , These can include weather, the amount of traffic, the speed of traffic, what the other driver was doing at the time of the accident, etc., If the other driver was using his mobile phone, this can prove particularly relevant if you are pursuing an insurance claim so note it down. , Check your insurance policy to see if you are entitled to a hire car if your car is damaged.
   
   You may be entitled to more help and assistance than you are aware of from your insurance company, so check the small print.
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   Step 2: Make sure you always have a pen and paper handy for any notes and insurance details you may need to take

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   Step 3: and keep a disposable camera in the car for photos of the accident scene

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   Step 4: which can help with any future insurance claim.

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   Step 5: Always stop at the scene of an accident.

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   Step 6: Make the accident scene safe by turning off your engine

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   Step 7: turning on your hazard lights and alerting oncoming traffic to the accident.

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   Step 8: If anyone is injured

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   Step 9: or the road is blocked

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    Step 10: call 999 in the UK

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    Step 11: 000 in Australia

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    Step 12: or 911 in the USA

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    Step 13: and call out the emergency services.

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    Step 14: No matter who is at fault

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    Step 15: try to stay as calm as possible.

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    Step 16: Note down the names and full details of any witnesses to the accident

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    Step 17: including passengers where possible.

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    Step 18: Exchange details with the other driver involved

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    Step 19: including

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    Step 20: address

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    Step 21: vehicle registration and his insurance company.

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    Step 22: Make sketches

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    Step 23: take notes and even videos of the scene where possible.

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    Step 24: Make a note of additional information which may be useful

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    Step 25: including factors which may have helped cause the accident.

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    Step 26: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to let them know about the accident

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    Step 27: even if you do not intend to make a claim.

Detailed Guide

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