​​4 Ways to Use Technology Before Leaving the Scene of a Wreck

A car wreck can be a painful experience, both physically and mentally. It can be difficult to know what to do if you find yourself involved in one. Thankfully, modern technology provides many solutions to make the aftermath more manageable. Here are four ways to use technology before leaving the scene of an accident.

 

1- Take Pictures of All the Damage

 

Taking pictures of the accident is an important step because it allows the insurance company to better understand the extent of the damage without having to send you to the auto shop or send out a claims adjustor.

 

They’re also an important part of any potential legal proceedings, should you or the other party end up in court. The police will want to see them as well.

 

You’ll also want to take pictures of the surrounding area, like nearby landmarks. This is especially important if you’re in a rural area or on a highway without an easy way to identify your location (more on that below).

 

2- Exchange Information

 

If you don’t have a pen and paper handy or you don’t have a perfect memory, it might be difficult to take down the other person’s information. With a cell phone, you take a picture of their insurance information, phone number, license plate, and any other relevant information.

 

3- Call the Police

 

Calling the police to report the accident is vital, and, in some locations, not doing so may constitute a crime. After making sure that everyone is okay and no medical assistance is required, your first call should be to the local police. If you’re in an area without cell phone service, you’ll want to call as soon as you make it back into town.

 

Your insurance company will also likely want to know the number of police reports connected to the case. Not being able to give that information may delay your payout, potentially leaving you without a working vehicle for a longer period of time.

 

4- Pin the Location of the Accident on the Map

 

If the accident is in a rural location, on a smaller state highway, or another place that isn’t easily identified by street names, you can use the Maps app on your phone to put a pin in your current position. This will help you identify the exact location further, even down to exact GPS coordinates if necessary, so your insurance company and police investigators can conduct future examinations of the accident scene.

 

It can also be used to get you a ride back into town if the accident damages your vehicle to the point of being nonfunctional. You can send the pinned location to a friend or relative who can come and pick you up. You can also send it to the tow truck company.

 

These are just a few of the ways to use technology before leaving the scene of a wreck. The more documentation you have, the easier time you’ll have when dealing with the police and your insurance company and if you have to file a personal injury lawsuit.