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Here’s What to Do After Someone Hits Your Car

There is no way you can predict when someone hits your car. However, there are ways you can handle the accident that will help you after everything calms down. When it comes to figuring out your next step, we are here to help!

Knowing what to do after someone hits your car is very important. Not only could it be life or death if there are any injuries, but it could also have a huge impact on your insurance. There are a lot of direct and indirect costs of a car accident. What you do in the moments after could make a big difference. Here are a few tips on what to do when someone hits your car.

Check If Everyone Is Ok

The first, and most important thing to do if someone hits your car is to see if everyone involved is injured and if they need immediate medical help. If you were in the vehicle, then you need to assess yourself as well. Verbally check with your passengers, then physically check yourself and them as well.

If someone is in need of medical help, it is important that you dial emergency services right away. Give them your precise location if you can, as well as request an ambulance. This will get you medical help right away if you can give them a good location or address.

You don’t necessarily have to call the police unless there is a certain amount of damage, and no injuries. Let’s say you are rear ended and there are only a few minor scratches on your bumper, if the damage is under $1,000.00, then you can simply fill out an accident report online with a local government agency. No need to wait for emergency services if there is no immediate danger.

Pictures and Information

If there is no need for medical help, and everyone seems to be ok, then the next thing you need to do is take pictures and immediately get as much information as possible. Whether or not you have no fault insurance, full coverage, or even basic coverage, you need all the details you can get! The more information you have about the situation in the moment, the better off you will be down the road.

Here are a few pieces of vital information you need to have for yourself, as well as the other driver:

• Full name of other driver
• Driver’s license number (if possible)
• License plate number
• Insurance information
• Make and model of other vehicle

Not only should you get this information, but you should also get as many pictures as possible. The damaged areas on both vehicles, as well as the good portions of your car. You could have a simple fender bender, then a few days later your car’s axle is acting funny. You never know the extent of the damage right away. This means you need to get as many pictures of your car as possible if you are able.

Sometimes your car could be damaged while it is parked. This means that there is no other driver to get any information from. Don’t panic. Your insurance should have you covered. Just take pictures, and provide the company with as much information as possible.

Keep Control of Yourself and Your Surroundings

Getting into an accident can have a huge emotional toll. Not only will your body be spiking with adrenaline, and possibly pain, but you will also have a lot of feelings towards the other driver. If someone hits your car, you need to be certain you handle your emotions and not let yourself get out of control.

All in all, road rage and taking your anger out on the other driver can be incredibly damaging to the whole situation. An accident is just that, an accident. That being said, it is important you keep your anger in check.

Not only could you feel anger, but sadness, frustration, anxiety, and so much more. If you feel you are on the verge of tears, or can’t control your frustrations, get someone else there immediately. Call a spouse, roommate, friend, family member, or even call emergency services to help you handle the situation.

Someone Hits Your Car and You Know What to Do

The final thing you should do is file an insurance claim with the insurance provider you selected. This can take a long time, but after you have kept your cool, gotten pictures and information from the scene, and made sure everyone was ok, filing a claim is easy! You now know what to do if someone hits your car. That means everything afterwards will be a breeze.