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After the accident stay calm
Your top priority immediately after a car accident is to assess the physical condition of yourself and other occupants, and seek medical assistance if anyone is injured with particular attention to older adults who are at higher risk for serious injuries. Individuals 70 years old and up are at higher risk for serious injury because of fragility of bones, muscles and organs, and slower recovery rates.
Turn on your hazard lights as soon as possible after impact. Flashing lights are proven to make a vehicle far more visible to other motorists and prevent additional accidents. If possible, look out of the car in all directions with your seatbelt buckled. If all clear, step out of the car.
Call the authorities for the injured, spilled fluids, or if there is a fire risk… WHEN IN DOUBT call 911 immediately! Police and fire department/rescue is responsible for triage of the injured, spilled fluids, or fire risk. Stay calm.
Get your smart phone out and take pictures - if the accident scene is SAFE - of the car(s) before the vehicles are moved. Older adults, whose long and short-term memories generally begin to decline with age, use pictures to explain what happened to the authorities, your insurer, a lawyer or in court. So, document the scene while it’s fresh in your mind.
Move the cars to safety and exchange identification and insurance cards using a smart phone.
Do not discuss fault for the accident whether it was your fault or the other guy’s; DO NOT ACCEPT responsibility for the crash or place responsibility on others. Let the authorities, insurance company, and/or attorneys figure out who is at fault.
Call your insurer of the car. Nearly all insurance companies have smartphone apps that will guide you through the reporting process. If you’re comfortable using them, a claim manager will be assigned to you regardless. Tell the insurance representative you prefer to speak to a person on the phone.
Call a person you trust to help in the decision to drive the vehicle or have it removed by a reputable tow truck company. Be warned, tow truck drivers can be a thief.
Call Automobile and Work injury Care (480) 991-3399 OR click schedule an automobile accident evaluation NOW.
