After getting into a car accident, there are specific guidelines you will need to follow so as to enable everyone’s safety. Most car owners in Nigeria are ignorant when it comes to the power of car insurance ,so most times they apply for third party to avoid law enforcement agents from harassing them.

There are some guidelines below that will help after getting into an accident-

STEP 1– INSPECT YOUR BODY FOR ANY INJURY: If you’re harmed, call 122/070022553772 to get medical help from any Road Safety Office around or get help from any available source.
STEP 2-ENSURE YOUR PASSENGERS ARE SAFE: If you’re not too harmed to move, ensure to check on the other passengers in your car. If anyone’s injured, call the emergency service provider or ask anyone around to call for help.
STEP 3- GET TO SAFETY: If you’re able to, move to the side of the road or a sidewalk. If your car is safe to drive and is causing hazard where it is, move it to the side of the road. Otherwise, leave it where it is and get yourself to safety.
STEP 4– CALL ROAD SAFETY ON 070022553772 or 122 – Whether it is a casual accident or a major collision, calling the police is important — and in some states, it’s legally required. The responding officers will fill out an accident report and document the scene. When you file a claim with your insurance company, they may ask for a copy of the police report to help with the claims process.
STEP 5– WAIT FOR HELP: Turn off your engine, turn on your hazard lights and use the road flares in your emergency car kit to warn other vehicles to slow down.
STEP 6– EXCHANGE INFORMATION:After making sure you and any passengers are not injured, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. Below are some of the important information drivers must exchange after an accident:
i. Full name and contact information

ii. Insurance company and policy number

iii. Driver’s license and license plate number

iv. Type, colour and model of vehicle

v. Location of accident

It is recommended that you avoid discussing fault when going over the facts with the other driver. After filling an insurance claim, the adjuster reviewing your claim will determine who’s at fault based on an inspection of the vehicles/property damaged, the information provided by you and the other parties involved in the accident, and any supporting documentation, like the police report or photographs from the scene.

STEP 7: DOCUMENT THE ACCIDENT – To help protect yourself ensure the accident is documented through the following procedures:

i. Identify the officers-Once the police arrives, get the name and badge number of all responding officers.

ii.Ask the police officers present where you can obtain a copy of the accident report-Your insurer may ask for a copy of the report when you file a car insurance claim.

iii.Take pictures- Taking clear pictures of your vehicle from different angles is very essential, showing the damage done to both cars. It might also be a good idea to take pictures of the other car’s license plate, you may be able to share photos with your insurer during the claims process to help support your claim.

iv.Takedown names-Write down the names and addresses of all parties involved, including any passengers in the other vehicle.

v.Talk to witnesses-If there were any witnesses to the accident, take down their names and their contact information, as well.
vi.To keep all of this documentation in order, you can keep this accident information page in your vehicle.

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STEP 8– NOTIFY YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY:You may want to call your insurance agent while you’re at the scene. That way, they can tell you exactly what they will require to process your claim and what to expect during the claims process.
An accident can leave even the most seasoned driver agitated, but following these steps may help protect you from undue bothers. That way, you can focus on working with your insurance company to get your vehicle repaired as efficiently and as fast as possible.