Double Whammy: What to do if I am in a Car Accident

You’re on the road and suddenly see brake lights flash ahead. Your senses are on high alert as you grip the steering wheel and push down on the brakes. Whew! You made it …only inches to spare, but you stopped in time.

Then whammm… the driver behind you did not stop and hit your car. Plus the impact of THAT collision pushed your car into the vehicle in front of you.

To you, it’s a freak accident. In the history of automobile accidents, though, insurance companies often see claims involving more than one vehicle.

• What do you do when you’re in a car accident?
• Who’s at fault?
• When do you call the police?
• How do you deal with an auto insurance claim?

These topics will be explored over the next few days to guide you through the process of what to do if you are in a car accident.

The most important thing is to be safe

First, quickly assess the condition of the vehicle. If there is any immediate physical danger, grab your keys and get out. If you smell smoke, get out.

Do it safely, though. Make sure no one opens a car door in oncoming traffic. If you’re on the right side of the road, get out onto the shoulder. If you’re in the left lane on a freeway or highway, there may be a barrier to protect you.

If it’s safe to stay inside, check yourself for any injuries and ask anyone else in your car to do the same. Mentally do a full-body scan from head to toe – did you bump anything? Do you hurt anywhere? Did the seat belt work? Did the airbag inflate? How are you feeling right now?

If there are serious injuries of any kind, call 9-1-1 right away

Otherwise, verify that everyone in your vehicle is all right (at least, as well as can be expected under the circumstances).

Now that you know what to do if you are in a car accident, find out why it is important to check occupants of any other vehicles and why to gather information in the next post.