Being in a highway accident can be very dangerous and scary. Highways have non-stop fast moving traffic flowing in a single direction across multiple lanes. Whether the accident happens during the day or night, it’s important to know what steps to take after you are involved in a highway accident. The steps you take after a crash can have a major impact on ones safety, insurance claim or more, so it’s vital that you know what to do next. Here, Marietta Wrecker Service discusses the best steps to take if you by chance get into an accident on the highway or interstate. If you need a reliable towing service be sure to give us a call today!
Steps To Take After A Highway Accident
Stop!
The first and most important thing to do when you get into an accident is stop your vehicle ASAP and pull off to the side of the highway (if possible). Leaving the scene of the accident is not only bad, but illegal and can get you into a lot of trouble. Keep in mind that the other driver may drive off if they are at fault or uninsured. If this happens, try to get a picture or remember the numbers off their license plate to share with the appropriate authorities.
Assess The Damage
Once you have come to a complete stop, determine whether or not you or any passengers are injured or have any life threatening injuries. No matter the situation that occurs, it’s important to remain as calm as possible. Once you determine that everyone is okay, move your car to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot. This will allow traffic to continue to move and make you less likely to be injured by oncoming traffic. When moving to the side of the road, be sure to warning blinkers, and any other indicators you may have to warn other drivers of your presence.
Call Emergency Personnel
Once you’ve determined everyones injuries, call 911 emergency personnel for help. Depending on the severity of the accident, police and/or medical personnel will be called to the scene. A police report can help make it easier to deal with insurance companies as well as the other driver. Provide emergency personnel with all of the facts you can give them and give them time to assess the accident themselves. PRO TIP: Ask for the police report number and request a copy of the accident report.
Gather Evidence
It’s very important to get photos and/or videos of the damage before anything is moved. This may be vital evidence in winning a legal case, if it comes to that. If you are in an accident with a ride share vehicle (Uber/Lyft), then it is even more important as these cases are more complicated. Even if the other driver cooperates, you’ll need evidence of the damage. Take a photo of the other driver with their car. This makes it nearly impossible for them to later claim they weren’t involved. Be sure to write down license plate and insurance information, the names of the people in the other vehicle, as well as the make and model of all vehicles involved. It’s also a good idea to describe the weather, traffic and any other important information you can remember. If there are witnesses, write down their names and contact information.
Call A Local Towing Service Near You
If any of the vehicles involved in the accident are immobile or unsafe, be sure to call a reliable towing service ASAP. This can be as easy as pulling out your mobile device and searching for “a towing service near me“. A lot of the times, the local law enforcement will have one on hand but it’s important to choose one you trust and is affordable. If you find yourself in an accident or broke down near Marietta, GA be sure to call us today! Marietta Wrecker Service provides light-duty towing services for automobiles that are immobile or unsafe. This may involve recovering an automobile damaged in an accident, returning one to a drivable surface in a mishap or inclement weather, or towing or transporting one via flatbed to a repair shop or other location.
Seek Medical Attention (If Needed)
If you have any injuries or life threatening injuries related to the accident, seek medical attention immediately. Injuries may become worse or more painful over time. Seeking medical attention after an accident can also help to legitimize an injury if you need to make an insurance claim later. Even if you don’t need medical attention immediately, see your primary doctor shortly after the accident to make sure to don’t have any internal injuries.
Call The Insurance Company
Your insurance company can help you with the situation. In the case that the other driver’s insurance company denies responsibility, you’ll need to file a claim on your own insurance. With that being said, the majority of states prohibit insurance agencies from raising premiums for drivers who were not at fault in an accident. Even if the accident was your fault, drivers with a good driving history are eligible for accident forgiveness. So don’t neglect filing a claim in case you are worried that your rates will increase due to the accident.
Also, you will likely need to contact the other driver’s insurance company to file a claim and get reimbursed for your expenses. It is very important that you do not admit fault or leave out any details. The process with the insurance company could potentially take weeks or even months for reimbursement of repair, rental, and medical expenses. Be calm and persistent with them about your claim.
Need A Towing Service? Call Us Today!
Marietta Wrecker Service is available to provide you with roadside assistance in any situation or vehicle emergency. We offer a wide array of services to all of our motorist customers, including car towing and emergency roadside service. Marietta Wrecker Service provides emergency towing to the metro Atlanta area, and our “on-call” fleet of tow trucks and service vehicles guarantee a prompt response. Marietta Wrecker Service provides light-duty towing of automobiles that are disabled. This may involve recovering an automobile damaged in an accident, returning one to a drivable surface in a mishap or inclement weather, or towing or transporting one via flatbed to a repair shop or other location. If you need a reliable and affordable towing service, give us a call today!