AK Accident Guide

You never want to envision getting into a car accident, but the truth is that it happens and it is best to be prepared for it before it happens – otherwise, you could end up in a situation you don’t know how to properly deal with.

There are several different elements of damage that is done when it comes to an automobile accident, whether there was another driver involved or not.

• Emotional
• Physical
• Mental
• Financial
• Vehicular

When injuries are introduced to the incident, the severity of the situation greatly increases, especially when there is a death involved in the accident. Not only do lawsuits become possible, but based on the circumstances, there can be criminal charges also introduced, which can affect you greatly if they fall on you.

When You Are In an Accident

If you ever have the misfortune of being involved in an auto accident, the first thing you ever want to do is assess the situation before reacting to it. In the best case scenario, there are no injuries and the most that needs to be done is an accident report and insurance exchange; however, if there are injuries or deaths, there is a more serious situation and it must be dealt with accordingly. Therefore, be sure that no one is hurt, and if someone is, follow the right steps to ensure they are tended to immediately to decrease the extent of the injuries any further.

The safety of yourself and your passengers should take first priority, while that of the other party or parties involved is your second priority.

• If someone is injured be careful not to move them at all.
• Only move an injured party if there is eminent danger if they aren’t moved.
• Contact 911 immediately to obtain emergency aid.
• Do not leave the scene, whether you have caused the accident or not, as it is a crime and you will be charged with a hit and run.
• If you aren’t involved in the accident and see an injured party involved, stop and contact 911 without nearing the scene to diminish your own security.

Once injuries and/or death is assessed in the accident, you can proceed to the next major worries, which are your driver’s record and the police report that is required, as well as your insurance rate which is sure to raise.

Exchanging Information and Reporting the Accident

The first thing to remember is that all accidents that involve damages or injury must be reported both to the insurance company so a proper payout can be arranged, and to the state patrol who will file a report for future civil use. Exchanging information at an accident scene is going to include all parties involved swapping out the following information:

• Driver’s name
• Driver’s address
• Driver’s contact information
• Driver’s license number of any involved drivers
• License plate number of any involved vehicles
• Auto insurance information

All this information is given also to the police and the insurance companies who will determine who deserves a payout and how insurance policy rates will change.