What to do if you are a motorist hit by another road user?
It’s a situation we’d rather not think about, but one that anyone can face. After all, getting hit by another road user is something that is out of your control. In this article you will read what to do if this happens, so you can at least be prepared and act correctly.
Step 1: Safety is the first priority
The most important thing is safety, both of yourself, any other occupants in the car and other road users. This means calling 911 if there are serious injuries that require medical attention. If you yourself (and any occupants) are in safety, provide first aid if necessary while emergency services are waiting. If there are no serious injuries, collecting evidence is the next step.
Step 2: Taking pictures and collecting evidence
Once everyone is safe, take pictures of the situation and damage to the vehicles. Do this as soon as possible with your cell phone and before moving vehicles. Also take pictures of things like tire tracks, the location where the accident occurred and ask for witnesses’ contact information.
This documentation is not only useful for filing the claim with your insurer, it can also come in handy later for reporting personal injury through Smart Personal Injury. In fact, it is common for those involved in a car accident to think they have no physical symptoms at the time, only to be noticed later.
Step 3a: Moving vehicles
If possible, drive the vehicles to a safe place to settle the damage among themselves and fill out the claim forms.
Under no circumstances drive away after an accident, even if the other person is at fault. This is, in fact, illegal. If the other road user drives away, try to note the license plate number and any other characteristics.
Step 3b: If your car cannot be moved
If your car is not drivable, set up the warning triangle. Place it between 50 and 100 meters from your car and make sure it is visible to oncoming traffic.
Never stand on the road or sit in the car. Always stand on the shoulder and/or behind the guard rails and put on a safety vest as well.
Then call your insurance company and have the green card handy, they will arrange a towing service.
Step 4: Exchange contact information and complete claim forms
In a safe place with the other person involved in the accident, fill out all claim forms and sign them both (yourself and the driver who hit you). You can also do this digitally these days.
If police are present, it is wise to make a note of the report number.
Step 5: Report personal injury
It is more common for motorists who have been hit to notice physical symptoms only later, mostly due to the adrenaline released during the accident itself. In case of symptoms, always see your doctor and, if possible, take your own photographs of injuries and/or bruises.
If you are hit by a car, you can report personal injury afterwards so that personal injury specialists can investigate whether you are entitled to personal injury insurance. Therefore, keep all receipts of medical expenses you incur (including those from the pharmacy, fueling and parking fees).