In Case Of An Accident: Tips If You Are Involved In An Accident
Posted by Admin at 4 January 2016, at 17 : 25 PM
It is something you don’t want to think about, but it is important to know what to do in case of an accident. First of all, of course is obtaining medical assistance if someone is injured, so if you are up to it, check all passengers in all the cars. Call the police or 911 immediately. The dispatcher will want to know the exact location and whether there is a fire, or if medical assistance is necessary.
If your vehicle is blocking traffic or is a hazard, move it to the side of the road. In some states, it is illegal to move an accident vehicle so it might be a good idea to find this out before a situation arises. If you have flashers, put them on. If you have flares, set them a good distance before the vehicle in case there is spilled gasoline. You also want to give enough time for traffic to slow down or stop. Stay in your automobile if it is unsafe to do otherwise. Turn off the ignition of any cars involved.
Even if you are not a big part of the accident, report it and be sure not to leave the scene as you can be arrested for leaving the scene of an accident. Do not leave until the police have left. Do not move anyone who has back or neck injuries as you can do additional damage to them. Not all injuries are visible, so be careful. If you see uncontrolled bleeding, however, put pressure on the injury to stop the bleeding. If the injured person seems to be in shock, cover them with a coat or blanket. Look in surrounding areas to make sure no one has been thrown from a car. If you are not injured and have a camera in the car, take pictures of the accident.
Of course, you should have all pertinent information in your glove compartment such as car registration and proof of insurance. You will have to give this information and your driver’s license information to the police. You will also have to exchange names, addresses, driver’s licenses, plate number, vehicle identification number, and insurance information with the other driver, as well as phone numbers, both home and work.
Regardless of the accident’s cause, remain calm and courteous. People at the scene of an accident are emotionally upset so keep your cool. Do not say anything about the accident to anyone except the police, nor tell anyone it was your fault even if it was.
You will also want to get names, addresses, and phone numbers from any witnesses of the accident if you can. Try to remember the time and the weather conditions as this information will come in handy later. If you can, make a sketch of the accident, including a description of the other car, landmarks, and also any skid marks which might be present. At your first opportunity report the accident to your insurance company. If you happen to hit a parked car, leave your name, address, and phone number on a paper on the windshield.
After an accident, people often suffer from reliving the accident, insomnia, nervousness, anxiety, and other traumatic symptoms, so try to get back to your normal life as quickly as possible.