What to Do if Someone Hits Your Car? – Step-By-Step Guide 2024
We know it’s scary and puzzling if someone hits your car on a pleasant day. It spoils your mood, and you don’t know what to do now. But remember, whether it’s a tiny accident or a more serious collision, you must take the right measures to manage this issue.
So what you should do next? Let’s learn now what to do if someone hits your car.
Suggestions On What to Do if Someone Hits Your Car
Suppose someone has hit your car, here are some things you need to keep in mind and follow:
1) Stay Calm and Safe
First, gather your breath and stay cool because you need to have a clear head to make smart decisions. Panicking can worsen the issue and harm your ability to analyze or take proper action.
So, turn on your hazard lights to alert other vehicles about the accident and decrease the likelihood of their accidents. This is especially important if the collision occurs on a crowded road or highway or in low-visibility conditions.
If your vehicle is transportable and safe, try moving it to the roadside or neighboring parking. This will avoid blocking traffic and reduce the danger of further accidents.
Note: If moving the car could result in additional damage or injuries, it is advisable to leave it where it is until emergency personnel arrive.
2) Check for Injuries
Prioritize the safety and well-being of yourself, your passengers, and anyone involved in the collision. Check for any injury symptoms, no matter how slight they may appear.
If someone is wounded, contact emergency personnel immediately and provide accurate information about the location and severity of the injury. While waiting for the aid, follow any directions from emergency dispatchers.
Even if no one appears to have been wounded, seeking medical assistance after the incident is still a good idea. Some injuries might not be obvious right away but are noticed later. This is because adrenaline and shock can conceal pain or other indicators of an injury.
3) Exchange Information
Now that we are certain everybody is safe, it is time to exchange information with the other drivers involved in the accident. Why do you need it? Well, this information is important for insurance claims and possible legal action.
If the other driver is unwilling or refuses to disclose information, try to get as much information as possible from their vehicle. You should get their license plate number and make/model.
4) Document the Scene
Documenting the accident site is important for insurance claims and judicial proceedings. So, take clear images of car damage from several angles, including close-ups. Take images of the entire scene, including any skid marks, debris, or road conditions that could have caused the collision.
Why do you have to go through all this fuss? It will help with your insurance claim or legal action because you’ll have proofs of the whole scene. Thank us later!
Related Post: What to Do After Panicking and Leaving the Scene of Accident?
5) Gather Witness Information
If there were any witnesses to the accident, it is important to get their names and contact information. Witnesses can provide objective descriptions of what occurred. This can be useful in cases of disagreement.
But keep in mind that you should talk to witnesses calmly and gently. Ask if they witnessed the accident and whether they will offer a statement or testify if needed. Take down their names, phone numbers, and any other pertinent information they will share.
6) Notify the Police if Required
Depending on the severity of the collision and local rules, you might need to contact the police and submit a report. To report an accident and request assistance, call 911 or the non-emergency police line.
Some jurisdictions require police involvement in specific accidents, such as injuries, severe property damage, or hit-and-run events. Even if the police do not visit the site, you might still need to go to the nearest police station to file a report.
Prepare to provide all details concerning the collision, such as the vehicles involved, the location, and any injuries received.
7) Contact Your Insurance Company
Now, one more important thing is to immediately call your insurance company as soon as possible after an accident. Even if you intend to wait to submit a claim, you have to alert your insurer. It helps them start the process and guide you through the aftermath.
Reporting the accident as soon as possible will also ensure that all policy requirements and deadlines are met. So, provide your insurer with all relevant information about the accident, such as the date, time, location, and detailed explanation of how it happened.
8) Seek Legal Advice
You should get legal counsel if you are still unsure about what to do when someone hits your car. A lawyer who’s an expert in personal injury cases or vehicle accidents can give useful advice and assistance throughout the claims process.
Legal assistance can also be useful if negotiations with your insurance company fail. It will help know and get your rights and secure fair treatment/compensation for any losses or injuries resulting from the accident.
What to Do When In Case of a Hit and Run Scenario?
The worst case scenario is when you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, and the other driver flees without providing any information. But don’t worry because all you have to do is follow these steps:
- Check for injuries and ask for emergency assistance if needed.
- Call the police and provide as much information as possible about the hit and run.
- Take pictures of your vehicle’s damage and also of the surrounding scene.
- Tell your insurance company about the accident so that they can assist you.
- Follow any instructions from the police or your insurance provider.
In hit-and-run cases, try to get a lawyer. They can help you understand your coverage options and what you should do next.
Does My Level of Insurance Affect What I Can Claim?
Yes, your insurance coverage level influences what you can claim after an accident. If you are at fault, liability insurance will pay for the harm caused to others.
For example, collision coverage can pay for damages to your vehicle regardless of who’s at fault. Comprehensive coverage protects against non-collision damage, including theft or weather damage. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) can cover your medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who was at fault during the hit.
So, check your policy for coverage and restrictions and if you require further clarification, contact your insurer.
Conclusion
Now you know what to do in a car accident. We understand that not everyone is able to deal with an accident calmly. If you are one of those, then you should take the actions described above. It will help you safeguard your safety, protect your interests, and make the claims process easier with your insurance carrier.
Just follow our steps and confidently deal with these problems in case you get into a car accident.
