After a car accident, securing safety, checking for injuries, calling emergency services (119), and exchanging information with the other party are crucial initial steps.
Take photos of the accident scene, gather witness information, report the accident to the police, file a claim with your insurance company, and seek legal advice if necessary to proceed with compensation and repair procedures.
Keep all related documents, understand your insurance policy, stay calm, and avoid leaving the scene without authorization or filing false reports.
Hello, everyone! Today, I'll explain what to do if you're involved in a car accident. Accidents can happen unexpectedly anytime, anywhere, so it's helpful to know this beforehand. Shall we begin?
1. Initial Response at the Accident Scene
Ensure Safety: First, move your vehicle to a safe location if possible. Turn on your hazard lights and set up warning triangles to prevent secondary accidents. This is crucial.
Check for Injuries: Quickly check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 119 (emergency services) immediately for first aid.
Check the Other Party: Be sure to check the other vehicle's driver and passengers for injuries as well.
2. Gathering Evidence
Take Pictures: Take photos from various angles of the accident scene, the damaged parts of the vehicles, license plates, and the surrounding traffic conditions. This evidence will be very helpful later.
Secure Witnesses: If there are any witnesses, be sure to get their contact information. It's also good to wait for the police to arrive and secure their testimony.
Exchange Information with the Other Party: Exchange contact information, vehicle numbers, and insurance information with the other vehicle's driver.
3. Reporting to the Police and Insurance Company
Report to the Police: Report the accident to the police and explain the circumstances in detail when they arrive. Check the accident report prepared by the police and request corrections if necessary.
Contact Your Insurance Company: Immediately report the accident to your insurance company and follow their instructions. Provide accurate information and documents as requested by the insurance company.
4. Damage Compensation and Repair
Choosing a Repair Shop: Have your vehicle repaired at a repair shop designated by your insurance company or a trusted repair shop. Remember to get a repair estimate and submit it to your insurance company.
Medical Expense Processing: If you have any injuries, receive treatment at a hospital and submit your medical receipts to the insurance company for compensation.
5. Legal Action
Legal Consultation: If you anticipate legal disputes arising from the accident, consult a lawyer to develop a response plan.
Settlement or Litigation: Attempt to reach a settlement with the other party, and if settlement is difficult, resolve the matter through legal proceedings.
Additional Tips
Remain Calm: Try not to react emotionally after the accident. It is important to deal with the situation calmly.
Keep Records: Keep all relevant documents and records for future reference.
Understand Your Insurance Policy: It is a good idea to understand the coverage of your insurance policy in case of an accident.
※ Precautions
Do not leave the accident scene on your own accord. You could face penalties for hit-and-run.
Proceed with caution when settling with the other party. It is best to document the settlement details in writing.
Do not provide false information to the insurance company. This could result in your claim being denied.
