Being in a car accident is stressful. You might need to contact a lawyer who deals with car accident cases or get a new vehicle. Even if you don’t have physical injuries, you may feel emotionally hurt and need to speak to a counsellor or therapist.
Many people find car accidents stressful because they haven’t prepared for the scenario. They don’t know how to react or respond. The following will help you to understand the steps to take after a car accident and ease the burden.
Stop
After you’ve had an accident, the most important thing is to stop. Carrying on driving after an accident is a serious crime. So, no matter where you’re going or what happened during the accident; you must stop. Ignoring this rule is reckless and dangerous.
Hazards on
Once you’ve stopped the car, you should put your hazards on, especially if you have had to stop in the middle of the road or in the dark. Your motionless car is now a hazard, and could cause further issues. So, put your hazards on and stay away from any passing cars. Alerting fellow drivers is key in ensuring the safety of yourself and others.
Check for injuries
Before you move, you will need to check to see if you or fellow passengers have any injuries. If someone is severely injured, it’s important not to move them as you could make the situation worse. Call for an ambulance if this is the case.
Exchange details
Once you’ve determined that everyone is OK, you will need to exchange details with those involved in the incident and any witnesses. Take their full names, phone numbers and number plates. Having witnesses could help if you decide to take further action, so it’s an important step. Take it seriously and make sure that your witnesses give their details.
Take photos
Luckily, we live in a world where most of us carry cameras around – on our phones. Taking pictures of the scene is important in helping later. But what should you photograph? Anything that shows damages, like on your vehicle or the road. Examine the scene carefully and consider what might be used as evidence later. If in doubt, take the photo anyway.
Notify your insurer
Insurance companies deal with accidents every day, and will be able to advise you on the situation. It’s important to contact them as soon as possible. They will be able to guide you through the next steps and present your options.
Being in a car accident might be stressful, but knowing the next steps will make it a little easier. Do your research and be prepared for any event. A safe driver always knows the risks.
