No one likes to be in a car accident, but with so many drivers on the road today, car accidents are bound to happen. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports “there were 2.24 million crashes with injuries in the U.S. in 2010.”
There are a few things you should keep in mind if you have been in any type of car accident. This information is to keep you protected and to get you back on the road as quickly as possible. First and foremost, make sure everyone involved in the car accident are ok and there are no life threatening injuries. Take a deep breath and compose yourself, car accidents can shake anyone up, but in order to keep a straight head you need to remain calm and in control.
- Call the police. Even for a little “fender bender”, you want to file a proper report with the police so that everything can be documented in case it is needed in the future. The last thing you want to do is drive away and the other person doesn’t have insurance or claims the accident happened a way that is different that the truth. It can lead to a messy fight that you may not win. If there are any injuries that need medical attention you can call the ambulance after you call the police. (This of course is dependent upon no life threatening injuries are present)
- Do not move the vehicles (this may not always be possible). It is best if you can leave the vehicles in the same spot as when the accident occurred until the police arrive. This will show the police the “crime scene” so to speak, they can map out exactly what happened for the police report. If you do have to move the vehicles, remain as close to the site as possible. It is also recommended to snap a few pictures before moving the vehicles. Now a days everyone have a smart phone or a phone that is capable of taking pictures. After a car accident this is one thing you should snap as many pictures and from as many different positions to get the full range of the situation.
- Be sure to have all the proper documents needed, such as a driver’s license, registration information card and even your insurance cards. You will need these to exchange with the other driver as well as to put all the information on the police report.
If you are ever in a car accident emotions can run high, and the trauma can be hard to deal with, but be sure to remain calm. Losing your temper will help no one. Take a deep breath and take it all one step at a time and most importantly, be thankful there are no serious injuries.