Two focuses of my blog are Financial Literacy/Money and Health/Wellness. Car accidents impact those involved them in a myriad of ways. Two major ones are finances and personal health. It’s important to know what to do in the event that you get into one. The following contributed post is entitled, 7 Things You Need To Do After A Car Accident.
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Although people seem to travel around less due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s still essential to be cautious on the road. It’s always prudent to prepare for any emergency that may arise during daily activities, including road accidents. Statistics reveal an 8% increase in fatal road accidents between 2019 and 2020 in the US. You need to take some essential steps when you’ve been involved in an accident, including the practical tips below.
1. Don’t drive away
No matter how minor the accident may seem, it’s best not to drive away from the scene immediately. You may not be sure how serious your injury is or the extent of damage to your car. It’s best to stay put while you call for help to ensure your safety and offer enough information when the police arrive. To stay safe while waiting, you can keep your lights on to improve visibility and make it easier for others to spot you. It’s advisable to have a safety kit in your car that includes a flashlight, so you can keep that on in case your car lights are damaged. While you wait, you can help calm yourself down by taking deep breaths to slow down any adrenaline rush you may be feeling.
2. Contact the police
It’s always vital to call the police immediately an accident occurs, no matter how minor the accident or your injury may be. If you feel any pain, you should contact 911 or ask someone to help you reach an ambulance. Calling the police will help make other processes, such as claiming your insurance, easier for you. It’s essential to take in the accident scene details so you can give an accurate report when they arrive. If you’re able to, you can take pictures of the scene or damage with your phone to keep a record, but remember not to interfere if the police are investigating the scene. If for some reason, you can’t recall all the facts when the police arrive, you should be honest and let them know instead of speculating. If there’s another party involved in the accident, ensure that they make an accurate statement as well if you can.
3. Get all the necessary information
Accident issues are usually not solved within a day, and the parties involved may not always cooperate. Therefore, you must obtain the necessary information from all parties involved in the accident before you leave the scene. You can do this while waiting for the police to arrive. Information such as their names, phone numbers, and addresses is vital. It’ll also be crucial to get any witnesses’ information if you need their account in the future.
4. Inform your insurance company
It’s best to inform your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident occurs, as most insurance companies require that you immediately report when there’s such an incident. Depending on the insurance package you’ve settled for, you should be able to access the benefits such as medical care and repairs after your full cooperation and after they’ve assessed the extent of the damage. It’s prudent that you keep a detailed file of all the information and documents regarding the accident to make it easier for you to claim your insurance and provide all the necessary information. Although you may want to handle the costs on your own, it’s best to claim your insurance instead to save you time and money.
5. Consult your lawyers
It’s vital that you know your rights as an accident victim, to avoid being cheated or losing essential evidence. You need to contact your lawyers so they can advise you even before you make a statement. Your attorneys can guide you on how to get total compensation, medical care, etc. For instance, decisions such as suing for damages from a trucking accident will be easier and more informed after consulting your lawyers.
6. See a doctor
Injuries from accidents aren’t always apparent. Therefore, you need to seek medical attention as soon as possible to minimize the risk of severe or permanent damage. You can either consult your family doctor or visit the closest hospital to ensure you haven’t sustained any injuries, especially to your head, chest, or spine.
7. Tow your car if necessary
You may need to tow your car if it’s badly damaged. If the police don’t call a towing company, you should have one on hand to contact quickly. Before settling for a towing truck company, it’s best to ensure that they’re credible and can get the job done without further damage.
Having an accident is unpleasant and can lead to several issues. However, with these tips, the incident will be easier to deal with, and you’ll have a handy checklist to help you get through it.
