When you are out and about, you never know when you get involved in a car accident. These unexpected happenings can be no less than a nightmare. Unfortunately, if you are involved in an accident, you should be prepared enough to take all the right possible steps. With millions of people from across the world involve in car accidents every year, the severity of these accidents vary from minor to major ones and so do the consequences. We understand the fact that accidents are traumatic events and it can be overwhelming to deal with the situation calmly. However, following the right steps can help you with the situation in a better way. Here’s what to do after a car accident!
1. Check for Injuries
Following a car accident, make sure everyone is safe and sound. Don’t forget to contact 911 and call the police and ambulance right away. Nothing comes before your safety and considering your health and safety should be your very first priority. Even if you think that the accident is minor, calling the police is always a wise decision. This way you can have an official report that will be required by your insurance company. We recommend you visit an emergency room, urgent or primary care doctor, a chiropractor in Tucker ga, and address any pain you are experiencing. In many cases, you may not experience any pain immediately primarily because of the adrenaline rush. On the other hand, you may experience hidden injuries that take some time to appear. Consulting a medical doctor can give you peace of mind and prevent any injuries from worsening.
2. Move to a Safer Area
If your vehicle is still functional after the accident, try to move it to a safer location. Be very careful to prevent any collision by the incoming vehicles. In case you have any reflective emergency triangles, consider positioning them to warn other vehicles. Here’s what else you can do.
- Turn on the emergency flashers and leave the vehicle.
- Contact the non-emergency police hotline if the accidents are minor.
- If you don’t have flares to set up, make sure to turn on the hazard lights.
- Do not leave the accident scene unless and until the law enforcement asks you.
- Immediately call the police and ambulance if the accident is more than minor and get an official report.
3. Document the Accident Scene
Documenting the accident scene can help you in the best possible manner throughout this process. Take photos of the exterior and interior of the vehicles involved from multiple angles. Likewise, take photos of the skid marks, traffic controls, broken glass, skid marks, and more. Don’t forget to exchange insurance and contact information with the other vehicle driver (s) involved in the collision. Keeping the names and contact information of the witnesses is important as well. Try to get these details at the soonest.
4. Contact the Police
As we have mentioned above, you should immediately call the authorities irrespective of the intensity of the accident. Below we have listed certain circumstances that require you to contact the police as soon as possible.
- If the accident is a major one.
- If the accident has resulted in a blockade on the road.
- If one or more involved individuals reject to provide their contact or insurance information.
- If the other vehicle’s driver has no insurance.
5. Do Not Over-React
When you are involved in an accident, try to keep yourself as calm as possible. You need to breathe and relax. Take a moment and evaluate the situation with an open mind. However, make sure not to move if you feel injured. The more composed you are, the better you will be able to take all the essential steps following an accident. A car accident is a traumatic experience and if you keep yourself stressed, you may not be able to function properly under these circumstances. It is important not to accept any blame or fault. Cooperate with the emergency responders and police officials and answer the required questions.
6. Keep a Journal
If you have a paper or a journal nearby, keep it with you and write down every possible fact about the accident. It is important to state facts since these details will be fresh in your mind. Also, keep a journal to document your injuries and your journey back to the normal routine. At the same time, keep copies of accident reports, medical bills, and other important documentation that you can provide to the insurance company.
7. File Your Claim
After an automobile accident, you will need to file your insurance claim as soon as possible. The sooner you register your case, the more you are likely to have better compensation chances. However, be sure to have the documented injuries and damages. Once you report the accident to the insurance agency, your next step should be to contact an accident attorney. Even if the accident is minor, you never know the repercussions. Keep in mind insurance companies do their best to compensate as little as possible. An insurance claim attorney will help you in strengthening the claim and get fair compensation. Remember time can make the real difference. Any delay in obtaining medical treatment or contacting an insurance company can put up an argument that the injuries or damages are minor otherwise you could have consulted them on time.
Tips on Avoiding Car Accidents
Take a look at a few important tips listed below to avoid any accidents.
- Many car accidents occur after sunset. It is important to switch on the headlights before half an hour’s sunset to make your vehicle more noticeable.
- Take short breaks on long trips. Many accidents happen when the driver falls asleep and these accidents can be extremely fatal. We recommend you to take a break every two hours of driving.
- If you are required to stop suddenly, don’t forget to take a look at the rearview mirror. This way you will have a better idea of whether any vehicle is coming from behind.
- One of the most important rules of driving is to wear your seat belt and do not take it off even for a minute. In order to reduce any injuries in an accident, you should wear your seat belt before you drive.
- Keep in mind speed limits can differ. For instance, if you are driving on a road with 50 miles per hour speed limit and the weather is wet, you should consider slowing down. Under these weather conditions, the recommended speed is 20-30 miles per hour.
Wrapping Up
A car accident is a disturbing experience and it can be challenging for you to figure out what to do next. From missing out on workdays to recovering from injuries, visiting a whiplash car accident doctor, and more, many things must be rushing through your mind. However, the actions you take can make a difference to help you go through this phase successfully. If you have read this far, you are more likely to have a better idea of the required steps to take. It’s important to prepare yourself for the best beforehand. For any queries, write to us in the comment box below.
