Car accidents may lead to a lot of problems. One accident in which a driver knocked down a power pole in Huntington Beach resulted in people living in that area and Costa Mesa momentarily losing their power.
Following a car crash, you should exchange insurance information with the other driver and get in touch with the police. You may need to file a claim if you sustained injuries. However, before any of that can happen, you need to speak with the other driver. There are plenty of people who will flip out and scream at you following an accident, even when it was the other driver’s fault. Here are the steps to take if this ever happens to you.
Remain calm
There is no need to escalate an already tense situation. By staying calm and collected, you may even defuse the situation. The other driver could realize he or she is the one acting out of line. You do not want to take any blame or apologize because this can work to your disadvantage later. Instead, you should calmly state how you wish to exchange insurance and contact information.
Contact the police
You want to file a police report after any traffic collision. Unfortunately, some drivers will get in your face and try to convince you not to call. They may even threaten you. If this occurs, you should walk to a safe location, such as inside a business, where you can call. You can also try to get the attention of a nearby eyewitness who can call the police for you.
Do not let the other driver leave
No one should leave the scene of an accident until the police make their report. It can also jeopardize your claim down the road if the other driver leaves the scene. If the other driver is adamant about leaving, you should at least take pictures of her or his car, including the license plate. The other driver will receive a hit-and-run charge later.
