WHAT TO DO AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT
A car accident is a stressful situation, and it's important to stay calm and properly document all the circumstances. How thoroughly the evidence is gathered can determine how successfully the matter is later settled with the insurance company and the party at fault. What's important to do: - Ensure safety — immediately stop the vehicle (without moving it from the spot), turn on the hazard lights, and set out a warning triangle (or a flashing red beacon); do not move any objects related to the incident. - Report the accident — call the police and, if needed, an ambulance. - Document the scene — take photos and video of the vehicles' positions, the damage, the road conditions, markings, signs, and other circumstances of the incident. Save the dash cam footage, if you have one. - Record the other parties' details — full names, contact information, vehicle details, and which insurance company holds their civil liability insurance. If there are witnesses, save their contact details too. - Get a copy of the official accident report. Whether you are at fault or the injured party, you have the right to receive a copy of the report. - Contact LiTRO. LiTRO's Roadside Assistance specialists will arrange to tow the vehicle if it cannot continue driving. - LiTRO's "AvtoAdvokat" (Auto Lawyer) service will help you correctly assess the situation and prepare documents for resolving the dispute with the insurance company and the at-fault party. - Get a damage assessment and keep all documents: the appraiser's report, receipts, official protocols, diagrams, photo and video materials, and — if the car is new — the defect report and warranty certificate. - Don't rush to repair the car before receiving the damage assessment, as this can be grounds for the insurer to deny payment. Not sure where to start? Contact LiTRO's AvtoAdvokat service. Their specialists will help you understand the situation, properly document the accident's aftermath, gather evidence and documents, and support you through every stage of settling the insurance claim.