4 steps to take if you’re involved in a car accident

Even the safest drivers can find themselves involved in car accidents. In this case, knowing how to react in the aftermath is essential. Taking the right steps can help mitigate injuries while also ensuring you’re prepared in the event you need to make an accident claim. In order to provide Montana drivers with the right information, Allstate.com offers the following advice.

1. Check on Yourself & Your Passengers
   The first step is to make sure you and your passengers are not seriously injured. If you’re able, it’s also recommended that you check on any other drivers involved. If injuries are significant, emergency medical personnel should be contacted immediately.
2. Move the Vehicle to a Safe Area
   If there are no serious injuries, the next step is to safely move your vehicle out of the way of traffic. This will prevent other motorists from accidently hitting you, which can lead to increased injuries/property damage. If you’re unable to move your vehicle, turn on your hazard lights and set up road flares to alert other drivers.
3. Contact the Authorities
   You should also contact law enforcement as soon as possible. The responding officer can take statements from everyone involved, which will be useful when making an accident claim. In some states it’s mandatory that police are called to an accident scene, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
4. Gather Information
   Be sure to get the contact information (including information related to insurance coverage) from any other drivers involved in the accident. You can also talk to witnesses on the scene, who may be asked to give statements in the event that fault is disputed. If you wish to reference the police report in your accident claim, make sure you get the responding officer’s name and badge number.