No one likes to be involved in an automobile accident in Oklahoma City. Even when the accident is nothing more than a minor fender bender, the experience can leave everyone involved feeling a little shaken up and unsure of what to do next. Fortunately, following a few basic tips will make it easier to get through the situation.
Call the AuthoritiesThe first thing to do is alert the authorities that the automobile accident in Oklahoma City has taken place. Use a cell phone to reach a 911 operator and provide the location of the accident. If anyone appears to be injured, make that fact known as well. Doing so will make it possible for medical personnel to be dispatched to the scene even as the police are on the way to assess the situation and take statements from the parties involved.
Call the Insurance Company
Every driver involved in the accident should contact his or her insurance agent after the authorities are notified and arrangements are made to send medical help. The goal is to alert the agent to the event and verify the process for filing or processing a claim. If the cell phone has a camera feature and email capability, it is not a bad idea to take several images and forward them immediately to the agent.
Avoid Moving the Vehicles If Possible
Unless there is a valid reason to move the vehicles, it’s best to leave them alone until the police arrive. The positions of the vehicles will help the police to understand what happened. Along with interviewing each of the people involved in the accident, the ability to inspect the cars, the angles, and the other visual evidence will go a long way in preparing accurate accident reports.
Secure Contact Information from the Other Drivers
As part of the process, the police will collect contact and insurance information from each driver. That information will be shared with each of the drivers involved in the accident. This is important, since the data will make it easy to check on the status of claims, make arrangements to have estimates for repairs done, and even filing any paperwork that is necessary if one or more of the vehicles must be totaled.