Assess Injuries and Call 911
After a crash, the first thing you should do as a motorist is assess your own condition and that of other driver and any passengers:
- Check yourself and passengers for injuries
- If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately
- Even if injuries from accident reports seem minor, it’s essential for the crash motorist to seek medical attention and inform their agent.
If anyone is injured or in pain, call 911 immediately to report the accident and request an officer.
Don’t assume that seemingly minor injuries can be ignored; they may worsen over time or lead to complications, and adhering to traffic law is essential for everyone’s safety.
Move Vehicles to a Safe Location
- If possible, move vehicles out of traffic lanes
- Use hazard lights and safety triangles if available
- Avoid moving severely damaged cars
If it’s safe to do so, try to move your vehicle and any others involved in the accident out of traffic lanes.
This helps prevent further accidents and keeps the roadway clear for emergency responders and officer reports.
Turn on your hazard lights or use safety triangles if you have them.
However, if the driver of a car is severely damaged or someone is trapped inside, don’t attempt to move it.
Make sure to report any changes to the DMV as required.
Exchange Information with Other Drivers
- Share names, contact information, and insurance details
- Obtain vehicle make/model/license plate numbers
- Be polite but avoid admitting fault or discussing details of the accident, and remember to file reports within days, as per your insurance policy, to avoid any fee.
When speaking with other drivers involved in the accident, exchange important information such as names:
- phone numbers
- addresses, insurance company details (including policy numbers and fee)
- driver’s license numbers (if comfortable)
- vehicle makes/models/license plate numbers, and any relevant reports
Remain polite during this process but avoid admitting fault or discussing specific details about what happened.
It may also be helpful to search for any additional insurance information anywhere on your bill that could be useful in this situation.
Document the Scene with Photos and Notes
Documenting the following details from the scene:
- Take photos from multiple angles showing damage to all vehicles for accident reports, ensuring to search for and include the number of damaged vehicles and relevant insurance policy information.
- Capture images of road conditions, accident reports, any relevant signage/traffic signals, and search for policy and fee information.
- Note specifics like time/date/location/weather conditions
- Collect witness statements/contact information if available
To help build a solid case for your insurance claim or potential legal action, thoroughly document the accident scene.
Use your smartphone to take photos from various angles, capturing damage to all other vehicles also involved and any surrounding property.
Also, photograph road conditions, relevant signage, and traffic signals that may have played a role in the accident.
In addition, prepare reports on the incident and search for any discrepancies in your policy to avoid unexpected fee issues.
In addition to visual documentation, jot down important details like the time/date/location of the accident and current weather conditions in your reports.
If there are witnesses who saw what happened, ask for their statements and contact information to support your search for information and adhere to policy.
By following these steps after a car accident in Arkansas, you’ll be better prepared to handle policy matters, insurance claims, or legal issues that may arise.
Remember: safety first! Always prioritize your well-being and that of others involved before addressing logistical concerns, such as reports or search for information.
