There are things you can do to prevent car accidents, like taking good care of your car and being as safe as possible on the road. However, these assurances don’t mean you can avoid these accidents altogether.
Car accidents can happen even to the most responsible and careful drivers. As such, knowing what to do when you find yourself in a car crash is crucial. No one wants to be in an accident, but some preparation can go a long way if it occurs.
In these situations, things can quickly turn chaotic and out of hand. Due to this, car accidents can make it challenging for the people involved to think straight, especially when unprepared. But you can keep a level head if you remember the necessary steps. Here are some helpful tips and steps to help you in sticky situations on the road.
6 Crucial Steps to Remember When You Get Into a Car Accident
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Stay safe and assess the situation
Check for injuries and seek medical help
As with everything, your safety and those with you should be your top priority. With that, you should first check if you and your passengers are unhurt or injured. If someone in the car is unresponsive, in pain, bleeding, or dizzy, immediately call for help and seek medical assistance.
Move out of harm’s way
Remember to turn on your hazard lights once you’ve assessed that everyone in the car is okay. Ensure your passengers move away from traffic and toward a safe area such as a sidewalk, parking lot, or shoulder. Avoid causing traffic jams or another accident by getting your car to a safer location if possible.
Moving the car is typically okay if the accident is minor and there are no significant damages to the vehicle. Otherwise, call and wait for roadside assistance, if necessary.
Take note of the environment
Always check your surroundings before moving your passengers and the car away from the traffic flow.
Also, if the accident involves another vehicle, be alert and keep an eye on the other driver. They may attempt to flee the scene, especially if they do not have insurance. If they try to leave or you think they have a tendency to do so, take a photo of their car’s plate number. This way, you can ensure that you get your compensation.
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Gather information and document the accident
Exchange information with the other party
While waiting for roadside assistance or the police to get to the scene, acquire the other driver’s personal information, including their name, address, and phone number. Don’t forget to get their car and insurance details if possible. You need to take note of their plate number, vehicle model, and insurance policy number.
Take photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage
When possible, take proper documentation and pictures of the accident. Whether minor or significant, take note of the vehicle damage from the accident for proof and insurance purposes. These can serve as evidence to support your claims when negotiating with your insurance company.
File a police report, if necessary
A police report can be one of the primary documents you can present when claiming your insurance. It can be beneficial to file a police report as soon as possible. Doing so can help you make an accurate report, especially since the details of the accident are still fresh in your memory. Moreover, this report will also help keep your account straight and impartial.
Don’t forget to request a copy of the report for your documentation. Should you decide to file a lawsuit later on, for whatever reason, you can present this police report to authorities to support your claim.
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Notify your insurance company
Regardless of the accident’s severity, calling your insurance provider as soon as possible will benefit you in more ways than one. That said, don’t make or accept hasty car settlement offers, especially those they verbally offer. These deals may be less than the actual cost, or the other party may change their mind and withdraws from the initial agreement.
As such, consult with your car insurance company or lawyer first. Let them know about the accident you were involved in and discuss your insurance policy with them to ensure you get the proper compensation you deserve.
After giving your insurance company an accurate account of the incident and other necessary information, don’t forget to follow up. Doing so ensures that they process your claim properly and on time.
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Know your rights and responsibilities
Be aware of your legal rights and responsibilities. Understanding the local laws and regulations related to car accidents can help you when you decide to go to court. If necessary, get a hold of your attorney and seek legal. This way, you can ensure you protect your rights and get the proper compensation for any resulting vehicle damage from the accident.
Moreover, knowing your responsibilities can help you get fair compensation from your insurance company. For example, seeking medical attention right away can prevent your injuries from escalating. In turn, your insurance company won’t give you a lowball offer just because you didn’t take the necessary steps to stop your condition from worsening.
In the event of a major car accident, call your personal injury lawyer to ensure you receive the best possible medical treatment and care for your injuries.
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Protect yourself and your vehicle
Secure your vehicle and remove personal belongings
As soon as you have confirmed that everyone is safe and out of harm’s way, make sure your car is locked while you are outside, taking photos of the accident, or discussing with the other driver, witnesses, or the police. You may also choose to remove your personal belongings from the car. Doing so is especially helpful in significant accidents where towing is necessary.
Take steps to prevent additional damage or loss
Often, emotions can run high soon after car accidents happen. This situation gets in the way of making sure things run as smoothly as possible. It may even result in fights occurring, which can worsen the injuries of those involved.
Although it is easier said than done, try to keep your cool. You still need to take care of many things, such as getting the other party’s information, contacting your insurance company, coordinating with roadside assistance, and filing a police report.
However, if you believe the other party involved may cause harm, don’t hesitate to protect yourself and the people with you. If they are dazed, harmed, impaired, or acting aggressively, ensure you keep a safe distance from them. In such cases, it can potentially be safer to stay in the car and wait for the police to arrive.
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Take care of yourself and seek support
Dealing with the legal side of things after the accident is stressful enough. However, the stress sometimes doesn’t stop there. Handling the incident’s physical, emotional, and mental effects can also be upsetting. For this, it is essential to seek not only medical assistance but also professional help if necessary.
Regrets of being unable to avoid the accident or having intense anger, sadness, or shock are normal right after the incident. Sometimes, it helps to just let it out by talking to those you trust. Apart from time, injuries healing, settling insurance matters, and getting car repairs can give you a feeling of relief.
However, strong feelings from the accident may last longer. They can also stop a person from functioning as they did before the accident. If so, it may be time to seek professional help. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be one of the consequences of car crashes and road accidents, especially in cases that involve significant injuries. Some of the symptoms to watch out for include the following:
- self-destructive or aggressive behavior
- trouble sleeping and concentrating
- vivid flashbacks or intrusive thoughts
- constantly feeling anxious
If you think you or anyone involved in the accident are having trouble coping, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor.
Stay Safe on the Road
Accidents can leave anyone feeling frazzled, but keeping your cool and knowing the crucial steps to take when it occurs can go a long way. No one wishes to be involved in an accident on the road. However, it is still crucial that you come prepared for such an event. That said, keep yourself and your passengers safe with these essential steps so you can have a fun road trip.