Nobody wants to be in a car crash, yet sometimes even the most cautious drivers can’t avoid it. The panic of such a situation can often lead to people forgetting the important things that need to be done, so it’s always a great idea to brush up on the basics of what to do after an accident. Below are the key steps to take in the event of 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 are able to, pull to the side of the road and put on your hazard lights to warn other drivers. If there were other vehicles involved, assess the situation and call emergency services if there is loss of life, anyone is injured, or the vehicles are posing 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 make sure it isn’t serious, or go to a hospital if necessary. It’s better to be safe than sorry. If you are able to 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 make a claim for compensation due to injury or loss of income.
Move It
Depending on the state of your vehicle, you are left with a couple of different options to vacate. If your car looks and feels 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 have it fixed. If driving isn’t possible, you will have to 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 you are able so you can get the process moving to have your vehicle repaired. If your accident was the result of another driver, ensure you exchange details as soon as possible so you can get in contact with them when it comes time to pay the insurance excess on your car (if it can be repaired).
Whether serious or minor, a car crash can be a traumatic experience – you don’t want to make it any harder on yourself than it has to be. Following the above steps will go a long way towards making a horrible experience that little bit easier to cope with.
