You might be a responsible driver, but that doesn’t hold true for every other motorist on the road. Auto accidents can become extremely harrowing if you don’t know what to do. We put together this helpful guide on the dos and don’ts of getting caught in car crashes.
Be prepared for a crash
An emergency road kit can make the difference between being completely stranded for several hours and getting back on your way within a few minutes. A kit generally contains essentials such as tools, reflective triangles, seat belt cutters, steering locks and jumper cables but you can customise it to include other important items such as blankets, energy bars, drinking water and a first aid kit.
Before heading out for a drive, remember to check that your license and registration papers are in your glove box, and that you have a spare tire. Moreover, installing a dash cam can really help you out when filing an auto insurance claim after the accident.
When in an accident
Safety is always the first priority when in auto accidents. Check for any injuries and once you’ve established that everyone is safe, turn on the emergency lights of your car and move to a safe location. If your car can be safely driven, move it to the side to avoid blocking traffic.
If your car was totalled, make it visible by setting up reflective triangles and keeping the lights on so that oncoming drivers can easily avoid the crash site. If you’re suspicious that your vehicle is unsafe, cut the lights as well as the engine before setting up reflective triangles and moving a safe distance away from the vehicle. It’s best not to struggle and try to exit the car when you’re severely wounded as you might unknowingly make the injuries worse. Try your best to keep calm and call an ambulance.
Once you’ve made sure you and anyone with you is in a safe spot, dial for the police and medics, as well as a fire brigade if your car has or is about to catch fire. Even if you see no clear signs of injury, you should call for an ambulance anyway as someone might have sustained internal damage or may be in shock. Do not attempt to tend to serious wounds yourself as you can accidentally exacerbate the situation.
After the accident
Inform your insurance provider that you’ve been in a motor accident as soon as possible and refer to an attorney to help you file a claim. Your dash cam footage as well as witness details from the police report can strengthen your case, so remember to have the video and a copy of the report ready on hand.
If you need excellent medical care for your post-accident injuries, then check in with US Rehabilitation and Health Services. Our team of professionals are trained to return car accident victims to optimum health, and through our network of affiliated lawyers we also offer professional legal guidance. Contact us today for a free consultation.