What should I do after a car accident?

Being in a car accident is an experience that can shake you and leave you stunned. It is not always automatic to bounce back and know exactly what you should do. It can help to create an action plan so that if you are in a crash in Colorado, you can more easily remember the essential next steps to take.

Money Crashers explains you want to begin by gathering information from the other driver. Make sure to get his or her address, phone number and vehicle information. If possible, take pictures of the vehicles and the scene. These can be helpful in the investigation. Also, try to get statements and contact information from any witnesses.

You also need to contact law enforcement. You may need to wait at the scene for them to arrive. Do not leave until you get approval to do so from an officer or another authority figure. This could lead to criminal charges for leaving the scene of a crash. Often, if there are no injuries, the 9-1-1 operator or dispatcher you call will tell you that you may leave.

Your next move is to contact your insurance company. You want to do this regardless of who was at fault. Your insurer will need all the information you gathered. You will probably have to do an interview in the future giving your account of what happened.

An auto accident is often nerve-wracking, but you need to try to keep a level head so that you can collect the information you need to help with insurance claims and accident reports. This information is for education and is not legal advice.

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