An accident can happen at any time, but they often seem to happen when we least expect it. If you have a late-night accident, you should do a few things to ensure everyone’s safety and make sure the insurance claim process goes as smoothly as possible.
Call The Authorities and Check for Injuries
Call the police immediately following an accident. This step is essential even if the accident is a minor fender bender with no injuries. The police will create an official report of the accident, which can help file an insurance claim. They will also help to clear the scene and direct traffic if necessary.
Once you’ve called the police, take a moment to check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone gets injured in a car accident, call an ambulance immediately. Even if there are no severe injuries, see a doctor as soon as possible after an accident. Internal injuries can sometimes take days or even weeks to manifest, so don’t let accidents turn into fatal crashes.
Pull Over to A Well-Lit Area
Once you’ve called the police and checked for injuries, the next step is moving your vehicle away from the road. If possible, pull into a nearby parking lot or drive to a well-lit area. This step will give you a landmark for the police to find you more easily, and it will also help keep others driving at night from accidentally hitting your motor vehicle.
If you can’t move your vehicle, turn on your hazard lights and set up a signal like flares or reflective cones around your car to make it more visible.
Call A Friend or Family Member
After taking care of the practical details, it’s good to call a friend or family member to let them know what happened. This person can act as your advocate and support system during this difficult time.
They can also help you remember important details about the accident that you may forget.
Collect Information from the Other Driver
Once you’ve taken care of the accident’s immediate aftermath, it’s time to gather information. First, get the other driver’s name, contact information, and insurance information. It’s also a good idea to take photos of the damage to both vehicles and any visible injuries.
If there were any witnesses to the accident, get their names and contact information.
File Your Insurance Claim
The final step is to file an insurance claim. Your insurance company will likely have specific requirements for doing this, so follow their instructions carefully.
If you have questions or need help during the process, don’t hesitate to reach out to your agent or another customer service representative. They will be able to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.
Car accidents happen, but knowing what to do afterward can make a big difference. Following these steps will make a late-night accident less stressful, and the insurance claim process will go more smoothly.
Desoto Collision Center has multiple locations in Tennessee and Mississippi to help fix your vehicle after a late-night accident. Call us at a location near you, or contact us online for all your collision repair needs.
