Almost no one actively plans or hopes to be in a car accident. However, accidents happen every day and there is only so much we can do to avoid them. If you, unfortunately, find yourself in an accident, what you immediately after is very important as it often has an effect on how much damage will be caused on the long-term and how much can be salvaged.
Needless to say, you must be rational, careful and as calm as possible in such a situation.
If you are ever caught up in an accident, here are the things you should and shouldn’t do:
Do’s:
1) Speak the other driver: Unless the accident in question occurred with only you on the road, one or more other driver is likely involved.
As soon as you are sure you are okay, make sure to approach the other driver. They might not be in as good of a state as you. If they are, they should be able to help you in deciding the next course of action.
2) Call emergency services: There is a good chance that someone got hurt during the accident.
In this case, do not attempt to administer any aid yourself but call emergency services. Carefully explain to the service operator your location, situation and the preceding events and follow their instructions.
Do not assume that no one has been injured based on appearances. Instead, make sure you get adequate medical attention for yourself and others.
When emergency services do arrive on the scene, co-operate with them to the best of your abilities.
3) Document the incident: Regardless of who you think is at fault during the incident, it is important to get documentation for insurance and legal purposes.
Take pictures of the vehicle plate numbers, as well as all the damage, was done to the cars, no matter how seemingly minute. Also, take note of the insurance details of the other driver involved.
The best way to make sure everything is documented correctly is to make use of a Dashcam. They will record everything leading up to the accident, during the accident / interaction with other party and save it to a memory card for future use. Check out XenonPro dash cam offers for something that will suit your scenario.
4) Contact your insurance company: As soon as possible after the accident occurs, contact your insurance company about the incident, explaining all the details about the accident.
You might need to pay compensation to the other driver or might be eligible for compensation yourself. Either way, your insurance company should be informed as soon as possible.
Don’t:
1) Flee the scene: No matter how minute the accident might look, do not under any circumstance (unless your life is under threat) continue to drive away from the scene of the crime.
This might be considered fleeing the scene of a crime and could get you in trouble with the law.
Instead, bring your car to a halt and determine the extent of the damage that has occurred.
2) Avoid blocking traffic: Even as you bring your car to a halt, make sure to do so away from the flow of traffic.
Regardless of what has happened, it is not advisable to disrupt traffic. Instead, move your car to the side of the road and turn on your hazard light for the convenience of others.
Being in a car accident can be a daunting situation that can leave any individual panicking initially.
However, it is in your best interest to remain calm. After the incidents of the accident have been resolved, settlements might be made and an automotive technician can repair the cars involved.
In the moments right after the accident, however, these tips can help and should be followed.