Things can get pretty confusing if you have just met a car accident. It’s a situation when you will find it hard to think straight. It’s not a good thought, but if you are on the road, there is always a risk of getting involved in a car accident. However, if you know the right steps to be taken just after an accident, you can salvage the damage to a considerable extent. Well here are the things you should always be prepared with. Even if an accident doesn’t happen with you, the information below can always be shared.
Be prepared if it happens
Accidents don’t come with an appointment and consequently, you should always be ready for an eventuality. The first steps to preparations are always the basics, including carrying your vehicle registration, insurance papers, driving license and similar documents on you. It will however be also helpful if you have an emergency kit tucked away somewhere in the car. This will include:
- A first aid kit
- Flashlights / headlamps
- Window breaker / seat belt cutters (a baseball bat and/or sharp cutter would do)
- Reflective triangle and flares (if an accident happens at night)
Apart from this, it will also help if you have
- A camera to take photos with other than your smart phone (your phone may have got damaged in the accident)
- Medical allergy card for yourself and other family members who frequently travel along
- Hard copy of contact numbers of local emergency help (nearby friends, police station, garages, etc)
- An auto accident report form (a blank piece of paper and a pen will also do)
Ensure everyone is okay and move to a safe distance
Safety is the first priority when you are dealing with a car accident. Before you trying doing anything else, make sure that everyone is safe and move them away from the damage. If someone is hurt, it is necessary that you call in 911 immediately. The police and medical team can also take care of situations if someone has fainted or have had serious injuries. Informing emergency response teams is the first step to preparedness.
After this is done, turn on the hazard lights (if they are still working), lay out the reflective triangles / flares and anything else that you could do to increase visibility.
Be cool and talk to your lawyers
After medical injuries have been taken care of, it’s time to focus on your financials. To ensure that your car insurance formalities are quickly taken care of it will be advisable to talk to your insurance lawyer. Companies like Christensen & Hymas would be of great help if you are driving in and around Utah.
Even if the accident wasn’t your fault, there are protocols to be taken care of. Try to be cool and stay calm. It’s a time when you should be focused on exchange of information rather than get angry and blame others. Regardless of what has happened, never admit to your guilt or apologize. It will help you down the line.
Drive safe! Most accidents happen because other drivers have been too rash or have been involved in something genuinely ‘accidental’. Car accidents can happen to anyone and any day. Knowing how to get out of it fast is what you should be prepared for.
Comments are closed.