According to annual statistics, road accidents remain to be one of the highest leading cause of deaths globally as it has claimed roughly 1.35 million lives. With the recent advances in technology, cars are now designed and geared towards safety. Even now, some vehicles have autonomous systems that can assess almost any type of situation, even accidents.
It allows them to practice systematically approved assistance, which includes providing alternate routes for other road users, proper signal control, minimize accidents, and reduce congestion in the area. It also assesses the severity of the problem at hand and the role of the various agencies to address concerns such as the medical and legal processes that go hand in hand.
What Should I Do?
It does not matter how good of a driver you are or whether you’re driving the latest Ferrari in town — car accidents can happen any. It can be due to negligence, weather, or the adverse party’s lack of foresight, but none of it matters when the time comes that you have to face the situation and its immediate consequence.
Since there are factors we can’t change, such as how an individual will drive, we have to focus on the things that we can improve. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to deal with a car accident should it happen.
1. Assess the situation
Safety is our number one priority in this case, and you should check if you sustained an injury along with its severity. If possible, call an ambulance as quickly as you can and always check on other people as well (may it be a passenger with you or another driver involved). If this is considered, it is now time to check on the extent of the damages in your vehicle. The most important thing to remember is not to panic as this blocks you from thinking clearly.
2. Move to a safe place
If your car’s engine is capable enough after the accident, it is best to put it in hazard mode to alert other drivers afar of the situation before you walk to the other side of the road. If this is not possible and there is a sign of an engine malfunction, leave your vehicle as it is and walk away as fast as you can.
3. Call for help
No matter how minute it may seem, it is always a good idea to let the proper authorities know about what just transpired. Doing this allows the traffic enforcers to manage the flow of vehicles in the area and have the police report it with its corresponding documentation.
It is also essential to call your insurance company and personal injury attorney right away to help you with the claims process. If this involves another driver, call your lawyer first before anything else. Do not try to deal with the situation on your own as it leads to more problems than solutions.
4. Be transparent
There’s no point in trying to escape from the scene, especially if it involves other drivers. Your plate number can quickly help the other party track information about you, which can lead to further trouble. Also, it can be misinterpreted as avoidance of your responsibility. Here is a list of what you should know about the other driver (and vice versa):
- Full name
- Contact details
- Driver’s license and plate number
- Specifications of the vehicle
- Insurance Information
- Location of the accident
Arguments can quickly arise from this point onwards, but it is best not to engage as of the moment as it can pinpoint fault immediately as you discuss the details of the car accident.
5. Document the accident
The best way to protect yourself legally is to be able to provide evidence and be able to pinpoint who was involved in it. That includes identifying the responding police officers with their badge numbers, acquiring a copy of the accident report, photos of the damage on the vehicles from all angles possible, as well as witnesses’ names and contact details if there were present at the time of the accident.
Though road accidents are among the most common accidents in the world, experiencing it yourself is quite tricky due to the heavy losses that one or both sides have, like the legal obstacles and expensive costs. That is why it is highly advisable to follow through these steps as it can ease the tension on the unfortunate circumstance and help you move forward with it. You’d know what to do when the time comes that you go through it.
