It is the very last thing any driver wants, if not the most inconvenient. However, if you have been driving for a while, it is inevitable. At some point in time, you will be involved in a car accident. In fact, 2.35 million people are injured in car accidents each year in the United States.
As unsettling as it may be, it is important to remain as calm as you can and take the following crucial steps to ensure you recover as quickly as possible.
Make Sure Everyone is Safe
Exit your car if it is safe to do so and activate your emergency flashers. Verify the safety of all affected. If the accident is major or if any person is hurt, immediately call 911. If it is a small fender-bender, contact the non-emergency police hotline.
Once you have determined everyone’s safety, begin taking notes of the scene. Take pictures of the vehicles involved.
While you should certainly express concern for people’s well-being, never acknowledge or apologize for being at fault. This may seem inconsiderate; however, such statements can be used against you in court.
Once you have completed these steps, you will have sufficient documentation as to what occurred.
Get Yourself Checked Out
When you are involved in a vehicle accident and don’t appear to be injured, you may be tempted to skip the doctor visit. This is not recommended, however. You must seek a total medical examination within a few days of your accident so that you have the information on file.
Moreover, some states require you to seek medical treatment within a certain amount of time after the crash, or you risk forfeiting any claim on compensation. Immediately seek a medical evaluation within 72 hours of the accident, even if you feel fine.
Seek Compensation, If Necessary
The other driver involved may initially agree to pay for the damages to your car at the time of the accident. However, once the repair invoices come in, they may change their mind. By then, enough time will have elapsed and your insurance will run into problems processing your claim.
For this reason, you want to make certain that your insurance provider has your detailed account of what occurred. Also, check your coverage to verify deductible amounts and what your insurance will pay for.
Keep an Emergency Kit
Having the right supplies like a car emergency kit can make the critical difference in an accident. Drivers should keep a cell phone, along with pen and paper for taking notes, a disposable camera to take pictures of the cars at the site, and a card with details about allergies or health issues that may necessitate specific care if there are significant injuries.
Additionally, maintain a list of contact numbers for law enforcement agencies. Many insurance companies offer emergency kits and tips for successfully documenting an accident.
Be Gentle with Yourself
Any car accident, no matter how minor, can be very upsetting. Regardless of how equipped you are, you’re going to feel unsettled. Be prepared for that and remain cool.
In a panicked state of mind, you may inadvertently forget to collect certain details of the incident. In this case, it’s important to keep only one step in mind — make sure to exchange insurance information with the other driver. This simple but vital measure will prevent a lot of stress in the long run.
While accidents are never pleasant, they happen to everyone. You may not be able to prevent them, but you can make sure that the process afterward will lessen the financial and physical (if any) pain. Keep calm and drive safely!
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