Car accidents are awful, and in that state of shock after being involved in one, it’s hard to know what to do. Most people just shut down and are incapable of doing what needs to be done, and unfortunately, this can lead to delays in getting the help you need. It may be challenging, but after your car accident, this is what you need to do.
Get off the Road if Possible
This job may be impossible if your car is totaled, but you must get it off the road if it is still somewhat drivable. Otherwise, you are more likely to cause or be involved in another accident. Some people are not paying the most attention to the road and can accidentally hit you or your vehicle. Get it somewhere safe, like on the shoulder or by a ditch, and then step away from the accident yourself. Do not stay in the car, as sometimes things on the inside could be damaged and end up breaking or catching fire, putting you in harm’s way.
Call for Help
In a car accident, you’ll often need to call first responders. If you are in a remote area with bad service, you may need to flag down a vehicle to get help. Cellular dead zones are dangerous for you and for first responders, as they also need cellular reception to communicate with each other during these emergencies. Making sure not to crash in a cellular dead zone is impossible, but calling for help will be even more complicated if your phone is dead. When driving, keep your phone on a charger so that you have something you can use to call for help in the worst-case scenario.
Remain Calm
As mentioned previously, tensions may be high, and adrenaline may be pumping, but you must do everything possible to stay calm. Whether you are taking your car off the road, calling for helping, or waiting for help to arrive, you must remain calm and stay off the road. In the middle of all this, the other party involved in the accident may try talking to you, blaming you for the accident, asking questions, etc. The best thing you can do in this situation is wait for the police to arrive before talking.
In the meantime, take pictures of the vehicle’s damage and your own injuries. Try to write down how the accident happened as well, as the longer you wait, the more your memory may change, and you could end up forgetting important details. If others saw the accident, you may also consider asking them to stay and give their statement to the police when they arrive.
When you are involved in an accident, you now know what to do, but that doesn’t mean it will be any easier. It may be hard in these situations, but do everything you can to stay cool, calm, and collected.