Our modern vehicles are relatively sleek and fast, and they make it easy to get around. But, while there are many great things about being able to drive a car, they are still large pieces of machinery that can be dangerous.
Even if you’re a safe and careful driver, accidents can still happen. You can’t control what other people around you do in their vehicle, so what’s the best way to move forward if you get in a wreck? Find out steps you should follow if you’re ever in a vehicle accident, so you’ll be prepared ahead of time.
A Step By Step Guide For After You’re In A Wreck
Some automobile accidents are more severe than others. In many instances, especially in the best-case scenario, no one will be hurt and very little to zero damage will happen to vehicles or other property.
But, whether the accident is minor or more considerable, there are some overall steps to keep in mind:
- Assess whether anyone has been injured
Even if the accident seemed minor, you shouldn’t leave the scene. Safety is the most essential thing, so make sure you are okay first. Then, check any passengers in your car before assessing the other people involved in the accident. If needed, call emergency services.
- Move the vehicle out of harm’s way
If your car was severely damaged or someone has been severely injured, this step might not apply. But, generally, you should move your vehicle away from traffic and onto the side of the road. Put on your hazard lights or use things like flares if necessary.
- Call the police
For minor accidents where medical care isn’t needed, you’ll still need to call the police at this step. Some departments might not send someone out for a minor wreck, but you should still call and find out what is required in your area. It’s wise to get the name and badge number of the officer making the report. After the officer finishes assessing the scene, ask for a copy of the information.
- Collect information for yourself
While the police usually make a report at the scene, it’s still a good idea to gather information such as the name, address, driver’s license, and phone number of the people involved in the collision. But, be careful not to share your social security number.
- Trust your instincts if another driver is making you feel unsafe
While it’s generally best to get the information from the other people involved and assess if they are safe, you should also trust how you feel. If anyone involved is acting aggressively toward you, stay in your vehicle and wait for the police to show up.
Contact your insurance.
Whether the accident was your fault or someone else’s, you’ll still want to contact your insurance to determine your coverage options.
What If You’re Injured Because Of A Car Accident?
The above steps are the best way to document the crash right after it happens. But, in some cases, you might be too injured to follow these steps. In these cases, you’ll rely on the information gathered by the police and others at the scene.
If you are injured in an auto accident, you should keep all documents and information about your injuries and their treatment. The more records you save, the easier it will be to get reimbursed for what happened to you.
Stay Calm And Plan Ahead
When an accident happens, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and not know what to do. This is especially true if you are injured. Knowing what to do in a vehicle accident ahead of time can help you react at the moment. While accidents do happen, it’s best to be as prepared as possible for when they do.
