What You Should Do After a Serious Car Accident

A serious car accident is not something anyone wants to endure in their lifetime and it could have lingering effects. In a best-case scenario, a car accident is a traumatic event. In a worst-case scenario, it can be fatal. Although it’s an unpleasant topic to think about, it is best to know what to do after you’ve been in a car accident.

After a Serious Car Accident

If you’re unsure what to expect after a severe car accident, consider the following tips for handling a collision — and remember that personal umbrella insurance provides coverage for car accidents.

Call Your Personal Umbrella Insurance Agent

Your personal umbrella insurance likely offers coverage for car accidents. Once you’ve called 911, you must reach out to your agent immediately after an accident to let them know you need to file a claim. Your agent will typically ask a few questions regarding the accident. Some of those questions will include details about the location of the collision, the time and date, and the events leading up to it. They will probably also request any photos and videos you have from the scene.

Get in Touch With Emergency Services

Before you call your personal umbrella insurance agent, you should call emergency services. Tell them immediately if you, your passengers, or the other motorist sustained injuries. Even if you do not report any injuries, emergency services will likely dispatch EMTs and an ambulance to check vital signs and offer emergency services. Remember that injuries are not always immediately apparent after an accident.

Address Any Potential Safety Hazards

Car accidents often become a safety hazard if the vehicles involved become obstacles in the road. It may make it dangerous for other drivers, increasing the likelihood of another accident or a pile-up. It’s imperative to address this issue and get your car off the road if possible. Thus, navigate to the shoulder of the road or as far away from traffic as you can. If you have traffic cones available, place them around your vehicle.

Document the Damage at the Scene

You will also need to take photos of the accident and document the extent of the damage to your vehicle. Getting as many angles and images as possible when you do this is essential. If another car was involved in the accident, you should photograph the damage to their vehicle, too. Make sure that the pictures are clear and appropriately zoomed in. It’s best to document the scene of an accident promptly after the collision occurs if you can do so safely.

Review Your Personal Umbrella Insurance Coverage

Your personal umbrella insurance policy is an asset in an accident. Umbrella insurance offers broader coverage than other insurance options. It also gives you a greater protection plan than your auto insurance offers. It’s vital to ensure that your coverage is appropriate for your needs, so you should have a discussion with your insurance agent to confirm that you have protection in the event of an accident. The right policy can minimize your financial liability after a collision.

About David G. Sayles Insurance Services

At David G. Sayles Insurance Services, we help our clients decide which of these options is best for them based on their current situation and risk factors.  Contact us at 1-855-977-1842 or insureme@dsayles.mysites.io for a consultation!