In the United States, more than 33,000 people died in motor vehicle accidents in 2019. As devastating as it is, the number of fatalities continues to increase. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety reported that 20,160 people passed away from traffic accidents in the first half of 2021 alone—the highest first-half toll it has ever been since 2006.
Despite continuous safety efforts, road accidents have been increasing year after year. Although vehicle safety device checks and seat belt repairs are essential, you also need to know what to do if you get into an accident.
Stop
When you are involved in an accident, hit the brakes and turn on your hazard warning system immediately. It will prevent further damage to people and properties. Additionally, never run away from an accident. Escaping from the scene will only cause you more problems and may put you in legal hot waters.
Stay Calm
It is easy to be rattled when involved in a car crash. But you have to stay calm as best as you can and keep your head straight. You can try counting down from ten to one and take deep breaths. Panicking will not help anyone, especially you.
Check Your Body for Injuries
Once you have collected yourself, check your body for any signs of injuries. Unbuckle your seat belt and take note of the aches and pains you are feeling. If you cannot physically move from your seat, call for help.
Assess the Situation
Different people respond to being in a vehicular accident in various ways. Some may be too shocked to react, while others may act more aggressively. If you feel safe getting out of your car, proceed with caution. But if you feel threatened with your surroundings after the crash, stay in your vehicle. However, you should never drive away.
Contact the Authorities
Regardless of whether you are involved in a small fender bender or a huge accident, you have to get the police involved. Dial 9-1-1 or call the local police department. The authorities can provide you with an accident report that you can present to your insurance company. If you want to pursue legal action, a police report can also be a key piece of evidence for you.
Secure the Scene of Collision
Protecting the collision site is also important. This will help police investigators write their reports and prevent other motorists from getting involved in the accident. That is why it is essential to turn on your hazard lights and use emergency warning devices like warning triangles.
Gather Evidence
Most, if not all insurance companies, require incident documentation. It will greatly help to take a lot of pictures of the scene. Make it a point to include the whole scene, the vehicles, and the license plates. You can also record the incident via video, but make sure that the video is stable and the images are clear. Other pieces of evidence you can gather include post-accident medical records, police reports, and witness statements.
Exchange Information with the Other Party
Remember to exchange insurance and contact information with the other party as well. This will help you with your insurance claim.
Conclusion
Knowing what to do after a car accident can help you feel more in control during a chaotic situation. It can also keep you safe. Remember to double-check your car safety devices, go for seat belt repairs when needed, be careful and alert when driving, and never put yourself in a dangerous situation because you are in a hurry.
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