Even the most vigilant drivers can be in a car crash, an event no one wants to experience.
The panic and stress during such incidents can lead to crucial details being overlooked.
To ensure you’re always prepared, it’s wise to refresh your knowledge on the fundamental steps to take after an accident. Below, we outline the key actions you should follow during a car crash.”
Stop
If you are in a position to do so, the first step in any accident is to stop; never keep driving if you can, pull to the side of the road and put on your hazard lights to warn other drivers. If other vehicles were involved, assess the situation and call emergency services if there is a loss of life, anyone is injured, or the vehicles pose a hazard to other traffic. If you are unsure, it is best to call them anyway rather than trying to deal with the situation yourself.
First Aid
If you are physically injured, seek first aid to ensure it isn’t severe, or go to a hospital if necessary. It’s better to be safe than sorry. If you can attend to any minor injuries of other passengers or drivers involved, do as much as you can while you wait for emergency services. First aid doesn’t just mean taking care of your physical health; it can also refer to your financial health. Make sure you seek legal advice from a specialist such as Motor Accident Legal Service if you need to claim compensation due to injury or loss of income.
Move It
Depending on the state of your vehicle, you are left with a couple of options to vacate. If your car looks safe to move, drive it immediately to a car repair shop. If this isn’t possible, drive it home or to a safe location where you can leave it until you can book an appointment to fix it. If driving isn’t possible, you must call a tow truck. Remember to remove all your personal belongings before the tow truck arrives.
Check Your Cover
You need to notify your insurance company of your accident as soon as possible to get the process moving to have your vehicle repaired. If your accident resulted from another driver, ensure you exchange details as soon as possible so you can contact them when it comes time to pay the insurance excess on your car (if it can be repaired).
Whether severe or minor, a car crash can be a traumatic experience – you don’t want to make it any harder on yourself than it should be. Following the above steps will go a long way towards making a horrible experience easier to cope with.
