Navigating post-accident procedures: Steps to follow after a car accident in India

Accidents while driving can happen to anyone and at any time, no matter how careful you are. It can be as simple as a fender bender or a major collision with another vehicle on the road. Regardless of the intensity of the accident, it is best to have prior knowledge of what to do after a car accident. Go through this blog to learn about the steps to follow after a car accident in India.

Procedure to follow after a car accident in India

While the intensity of a car accident can differ, the general steps that one needs to take afterward are more or less the same. Here is a step-wise guide explaining what to do after a car accident in India:

Come to a safe stop

After you find yourself involved in a car accident, make sure to keep calm and come to a complete halt at a safe spot at the scene of the incident. Avoid running away as it is unlawful and can lead to legal complications.

Scrutinise the situation

Scrutinise the situation and look for damages or injuries on yourself or other occupants of the car if present. If everything is fine, get out of the car and assess the damage outside and that of the third party.

Seek medical assistance

If you or the third party has sustained any minor injury, make sure to apply first aid. However, in case of a serious injury, make sure to seek medical assistance by calling an ambulance through the emergency line.

Exchange information

If your accident involves a third party, exchange contact information with them. This will come in use during car insurance claims or when taking legal action related to the accident.

Take pictures

If you are alright and have a moment, consider taking pictures of the damages at the scene of the accident. This includes the damages to your vehicle, damages to the third party (if any), etc. These pictures will serve as evidence when taking legal action or filing an insurance claim.

File a police FIR

In case of a serious accident or one that involves another party, who is non-cooperative, calling the authorities is necessary. If needed, you may have to file a police FIR for a third-party claim settlement process or when the accident-causing third party has fled the scene.

Alert your insurer

After taking care of the injuries (if any) and handling the on-site situation, the next step is to initiate a car insurance claim. You will need to give them the details of the incident along with the required documentation for the claim process. You can then go for a cashless or a reimbursement claim settlement, depending on your case.

Be prepared for the future

Accidents can happen out of the blue, so it is best to stay aware and take proper precautionary measures for the future.

Conclusion

Car accidents can cause both mental and physical distress, which can be difficult to handle. However, knowing what to do after a car accident will help alleviate some stress during that moment and allow you to take the necessary measures.