https://unsplash.com/photos/5_GRulmDNX0
The process of determining car accident faults can be tricky. You would expect that no one wants to take responsibility as this could make them liable for criminal charges, including negligent or reckless driving. Before it comes to this, you need to know what to do if you are involved in a car accident. Ultimately, the fault is the last thing you will be thinking about. In the immediate aftermath and beyond, you first need to make sure you and any other drivers are safe. Whether you spent a lot of time on the road or have only just passed your driving test, here are ten things to do if you are involved in a car accident.
Stop Your Vehicle
The last thing you want to do is commit a hit-and-run. This usually happens with the driver who was at fault as they panic and want to leave the scene as quickly as possible. However, car accidents can be dealt with easily, unless there is a catastrophic collision. Therefore, you must stop your vehicle regardless of how worried you are. Leaving the scene will only make things worse, and your car may not even be able to drive, so you may not get far.
Check For Injuries
Once the vehicle is stationary, check for injuries. As you should be wearing your seatbelt, these injuries may be minor, although there could be bruising where the seatbelt is. You should check other passengers by calling them by name and getting them to respond. If someone has been hit by a car, you should check for breathing but do not move them as they could suffer internal injuries such as broken bones.
Remember, although everyone may seem okay initially, there is still the chance of an injury. Whiplash and concussions are common in car accidents.
Leave the Vehicle If It Is Safe
Once you get the all-clear that everyone is alive and okay, you can leave your vehicle if you cannot move it yourself. Traffic typically comes to an abrupt standstill, so you are unlikely to be in danger of any oncoming traffic. However, there could be other problems. Broken bones would make it difficult to leave the vehicle safely. There may also be fires, or your car could be upside down. In these cases, you are better off remaining in your vehicle until emergency services arrive.
Get Your Car Off the Road If Possible
If your car is still in drivable condition, get it off the road. Not only does this minimize the risk of another collision, but it also helps to keep traffic flowing and enables the police, ambulance, or fire engine to get to you if necessary. This point is essential for more severe accidents as the police and ambulance come to the scene to take statements. It is easier to get the car off the road on a highway than on a regular street, so bear this in mind.
Contact the Emergency Services
You should call emergency services as soon as you can. Emergency responders are crucial for all car accidents, even if everything seems minor. Since you may not be able to drive as you are shaken up or in shock, paramedics can check you over for any injuries and recommend treatment. They can also attend to anyone trapped inside the car or unable to get out because of their injuries.
Meanwhile, the police can assess the scene and determine if they want to take things further.
Contact a Towing Service If There Is Too Much Damage
If your car is totaled, you should contact a reliable towing service. This may be as speedy as the emergency services, so do it as soon as possible. You may need to leave your vehicle behind if you are going to the hospital or taken in for a statement. The towing service will then remove your car from the road (or the roadside) to keep traffic moving. Depending on the damage, your car ends up at a mechanic, impound lot, or scrap yard.
Take Photos and Exchange Information
For minor accidents where you and the other driver(s) are still okay to drive, you need to take photos and exchange information. This gives you the chance to document the damage for your insurance and records. Make sure you get photos of all the damage and take photos of the license plate of the other cars in case they decide to ghost you.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Your insurance company should be alerted about the incident. From here, they will advise you about the next steps. If you are unsure how much detail or information they need, they will outline everything they need to know to ensure the damage fits within your policy limits.
Seek Legal Representation
Seeking legal representation does not make you guilty. You may require it regardless of whether you were at fault. Finding a good car accident lawyer near you can help you get the expert representation you need should you feel compelled to seek claims for damages, injuries, and more. In most cases, insurance should solve all the problems, but more serious collisions may require a legal battle, especially if there are injuries that were not immediately apparent. You should be compensated for any hardships you encountered if the accident was not your fault.
Have Everything You Need Before You Leave the House
No one leaves the house hoping to get into an accident, but it’s always worth being prepared. Keep a pen and paper in your car at all times as well as your insurance information, repair kits, work gloves, a First Aid Kit, waterproof clothing, and food and drink. All of these will make the post-accident experience much easier to deal with, especially if you have to wait around for a while.
Be Safe
You can do everything right and still be involved in a car accident. These could range from minor fender benders to more severe collisions that block the highway. Car accidents can be stressful situations, so you must be prepared and understand what to do after an accident happens regardless of who was at fault. With these tips, you can drive safely and confidently.
Leave a Reply