Many people think that all they need is a dashboard camera to prepare for a car accident. However, there are several steps you should take after a car crash, and it may be a good idea to print this blog to make sure you take them.

Step 1: Check for injuries

Initially, after the impact, check yourself and your passengers for injuries and the seriousness of the injuries. This will dictate how you proceed.

Step 2: Call 9-1-1

Take note of the injuries in your vehicle, the possible injuries in any other vehicle, the location of the car accident and then call 9-1-1. Do not mitigate the severity of the car accident and specifically ask for an ambulance and police. You and your passengers need to be checked out by a medical professional, and you need a police report for the crash.

Step 3: Get to safety

If you and your vehicle are able to safely move, drive your vehicle to the side of the road or to a nearby parking lot and turn your engine off. If you cannot move your car safely, turn your hazards on. If you are able, put out your safety lights or road flares.

Beware of the tow trucks you did not call (called, bandit tow trucks). These trucks are scams, and they will take your car to hold hostage for unreasonable fees, if they do not outright steal your car. If you did not call them, do not allow them to tow your car.

Step 4: Exchange information vs. waiting for help

If you are not able to move, you should just wait for the Warrenton, Virginia, first responders to arrive. You have the other driver on dashboard footage, and the police officer will get their information. If you are able to exchange information, you should, just be sure to avoid speaking about the car accident itself. Gather the contact information of the driver and any other witness and the insurance information of the other driver, including their driver’s license information. Get the vehicle’s information, including the license plate number, type, color and vehicle model.

Step 5: Documentation

In addition to your dashboard footage, you need the police report and any other photographs of the scene you believe are needed. Get the police officer’s card, and if they do not have one, get their badge number and name. Ask them how to get a copy of the police report and how long it will take to generate. Then, once you have been checked out by the Warrenton, Virginia, medical workers and the police, call your insurance company.