Injuries and fatalities happen on the road all the time. It is a hugely unfortunate reality that the convenience and independence cars offer is counteracted by the danger they pose. While the point of earning a driving license through thorough training and passing tests tries to reduce the risks of accidents, not all motorists drive responsibly, and this leads to accidents. If you end up experiencing a car accident, do you know how to react? Continue reading to find out what to do in this situation.
Table of Contents
Stop and Turn Off Your Car
The first thing to do when an accident occurs is to stop the car as soon as possible in a safe place. If this isn’t possible, stopping on the road and turning on your hazard lights will alert other drivers to the incident so they can safely drive around you. If there is no danger in doing so, leave the vehicle. You don’t know yet what damage has been caused and how the car may react, so make your way to a safer area to wait for help.
Check Yourself and Your Passengers for Injuries
Immediately check yourself for any injuries. Once you have done this, check your passengers. It is important to do this so that, if necessary, you can provide details to a company such as Horst Shewmaker Law Firm. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to seek compensation for any injuries you suffer as a result of the incident. Your first response should be to call for emergency services that can provide first aid and transport to a hospital if necessary.
Report the Incident
Call the police to report what has happened. This will help the local authorities to both provide assistance to those involved in the accident and to traffic in the area. Even if you are concerned that the accident could be a result of your own actions, you must prevent further damage and risk by getting professionals on the scene as soon as possible.
Gather Relevant Information
Since everyone now has a smartphone, it is useful to take notes and photographs pertinent to the incident. Write down or photograph the scene as well as the other driver’s vehicle, including their license plate. A short video can also be helpful to show the scene of the incident in relation to its surroundings. These details will help to establish what exactly happened at a later date.
Don’t Discuss Responsibility with the Other Vehicle’s Driver
Even if the driver of the other vehicle starts to discuss the incident, avoid offering too much information. Saying sorry can later be used as evidence of responsibility for the accident, which could cost you both financially and legally.
Also Read: The Best Dog Walkers: Finding Quality Care on a Budget
Tell Your Insurance Company
Let your insurance company know; otherwise, you may be risking your policy. Make sure to obtain the insurance details of the other drivers involved in the accident. Of course, everyone would rather not have to think about the possibility of getting into a car accident, but it’s important to know what to do if the worst should happen.