Bloomfield, Connecticut is a quiet town. But it’s also a suburb of Hartford, which means many of the town’s residents commute to the big city to go to work. Unfortunately, car accidents happen from time to time as a result.
So if you live in or near Bloomfield, here’s what you should do if you ever get in a car accident:
Check for injuries
The first step is to check for injuries to yourself or any passengers riding with you. You may be able to perform some basic first aid, but if the injuries are serious enough, get immediate medical attention.
Move to a safe location
Next, get yourself, your passengers, and your vehicle to a safe location. Do this to avoid obstructing traffic and to get yourself out of harm’s way. Most times, pulling off to the side of the road is enough.
From there, you should turn off your vehicle, turn on your hazard lights, and set up a warning triangle if you have one. At night, you can also use an emergency flare. These precautions are to warn oncoming vehicles to slow down as they near the accident scene.
Call 911
Call 911 to report the accident. They will dispatch a police officer who can write up an official police report upon arrival.
If for whatever reason you’re unable to make the call, ask someone else nearby to do it for you. Getting a police officer on scene is critical because they’ll be able to make an impartial assessment of the accident.
Exchange information with the other driver(s)
After you and the other driver(s) involved have addressed any injuries and pulled over to a safe location, exchange contact information. This includes names, addresses, and phone numbers.
You also want to get each other’s car insurance information and policy number as well as the make, model, and color of both vehicles. This will come in handy when filing a car insurance claim later.
Whatever you do, don’t admit fault when speaking with the other driver(s). Any admission of fault could be used against you in court.
Document the accident scene
Take photos of any vehicles involved in the accident (including yours) from different angles. Record exactly how and where the accident happened with pen and paper, a voice memo, or a note on your phone.
If there were any nearby witnesses to the car accident, be sure to get their contact information so you can use their testimonies later.
Notify your car insurance company
Call your car insurance company to report the accident. You can find their number on your insurance card.
The auto insurance company will tell you what steps you need to take to file a claim. Provide them with as much information on the accident as you can.
Consult an experienced Bloomfield auto accident attorney
Lastly, be sure to consult an experienced Bloomfield auto accident attorney. They will help you know your rights in the state of Connecticut and how to get the best resolution.
Car accidents are no fun. But if you’re prepared for how to handle them, you’ll be much better off—financially, emotionally, and mentally.
So commit the seven tips listed above to memory just in case you ever need them. You’ll be glad you did. You never know when you might get in an accident, especially since they’re not always your fault. Live on the safe side by always being prepared for the worst case scenario.