We learn to drive and spend our lives as driving adults trying our best to stay safe on the road. However, sometimes accidents happen, and when they do, we’re often left feeling confused about what to do. To help you prepare in the hope that you never have to use these tips, we’ve put together some advice below. Take a look at the first five things to do after a car accident:
Try to Stay Calm and Assess
When an accident happens, it can be challenging to stay calm. Most of the time, accidents are shocking and unexpected, and if they’re high-impact, you may be scared and don’t know what to do. While panicking could be your first reaction, if possible, try to stay calm so you can think rationally and make safe moves to help yourself, your passenger, or those in the other vehicle.
While you may immediately start thinking about auto body repair procedures, now is not the time for this. Instead, focus on assessing whether you or the other driver are hurt, if you can move the cars, and all of what the immediate next steps should be. There will be time for the rest later on.
If Possible, Move Out of the Road
While there are times when it is not safe or smart to move the cars, or even possible, in collisions like fender benders or even where the car is still drivable and no one is hurt, move the vehicles off the road. Car accidents can be dangerous for other motorists as well as a disruption to traffic, so whenever possible, try to get the cars out of the way. But don’t do this without first taking pictures of the collision right after it’s happened. You want to make sure to get evidence for insurance claims.
Get the other Driver’s Insurance Information
Sometimes, you’ll want to hurry things up after a fender bender or collision where no one has been hurt, because you may have a lot to do that day. But if you want your car to be repaired for someone else’s penny, it’s important to get the other driver’s insurance information so that you can be confident that if they’re at fault, they’ll pay.
If there are witnesses to the accident, consider asking them if they’d be willing to share information about what happened at the scene. It’s always best to cover your bases when dealing with a car accident. Sometimes, damage can’t be immediately noticed at the site of the collision.
If you feel off, Accept Medical Attention
Some people don’t want to deal with going to the hospital or even realize that they have had something happen to them in an accident. However, some injuries may not be noticed at first glance. If your accident had a high impact, even if you don’t feel the need to get medical attention, it’s very important to receive it. Most high-impact collisions will require emergency services, and paramedics will typically arrive at the scene to assess your injuries.
With the understanding that they may be more cautious than necessary, but for good reason, pay attention to what they tell you. At the end of the day, it’s always better to stay safe than sorry when it comes to your health.
Call the Police
A lot of people don’t like to call the police when they’re dealing with a car accident, but it can be useful to have them at the scene, especially in situations where the other party involved is aggressive or angry. Additionally, they can help determine who is at fault, which can be useful for your insurance claims. Also, they’ll ensure traffic is directed around the scene to keep all motorists safe.
In Conclusion
While we hope you never have to deal with a car accident, try to keep these tips in mind should you experience one. It’s best to stay safe and be cautious with both your health and insurance so that you’re taken care of should anything come up.
