Auto accidents leave you in a stressful state that nobody wants to go through. No matter how careful you are when driving, accidents occur and the best you can do is be prepared for them to minimize damages after the impact. Getting the right auto insurance to suit your needs is the most important thing you should do in preparing for an accident. This helps minimize the burden of repairs and also covers any medical expenses that arise as a result of it. Here are a few other things you must do to deal with an auto accident, if you meet with one. 

Keep paperwork at hand

Always keep your auto insurance and registration papers handy in the vehicle, for you never know when you will need them. Having the paperwork ready makes the process of filing a report and claiming insurance that much easier and faster. Put the paperwork safely in a pouch or bag inside the car so that it doesn’t get damaged during the impact.

Medical assistance

Regardless of how careful you are, the other person on the road may not be as careful or responsible. Road accidents can be nasty and cause severe injuries to the people involved. When you are involved in an auto accident, first priority should be given to safety of the persons involved – including yourself. Check yourself for any possible injuries and ask the others if they are all okay. If anyone seems to be in distress or in need of medical attention, be sure to call 911 immediately and wait for assistance.

Stay safe

Move to safety of the sidewalk or the side of the road as soon as possible, if you are able to move. Also make sure that the other passengers, pedestrians are moved to safety. If the car is not badly damaged, you can move it to the side of the road as well. Otherwise use cones or other accessories to indicate an obstacle for other drivers on the road. This will help prevent more accidents.

Contact authorities

Contact the police once you move to safety on the road. Provide all the necessary details and make sure the incident is reported accurately. Also call your insurance agent soon after the accident and report it. Avoid discussing details of the accident with others except the police and the insurance agent.

After the report is filed, exchange insurance information with the other driver involved in the accident. Make sure you provide all necessary details including your insurance company, license plate, names and addresses or phone numbers of witnesses to the other driver.