What To Do In Case You Are In A Car Accident

Car accidents can happen to anybody (that’s why they’re called accidents) at any time, so even the most experienced and careful drivers need to be aware of what to do if they are involved in an accident. How many times has something happened and then later you’ve remembered that you didn’t do something which you should have? Well, car accidents, no matter whether they are very serious or relatively minor affairs, are just those sorts of times.

What To Do If You Are Involved in a Car Accident

Safety First

• Don’t panic! Stop your vehicle and move it into a safe location if possible.
• Check to see whether anyone has been injured. If so, call 911.
• Do not leave the scene of the accident (that sounds more like what not to do doesn’t it?)
• Make sure that all of the people are in a safe location.
• Call the police. They’ll tell you if they will need to send a police officer.

Gathering Info

You must change information details with everybody involved in the accident, as well as any potential witnesses. You will need:

• names
• addresses
• emails
• telephone numbers

As well as this information about any vehicles which have been involved in the accident

• Year of the vehicles, make and model
• All licence plate numbers
• Details of insurance policy including carrier

If a police officer arrives on the scene, get their details too (you need to know who you were dealing with)

• name
• telephone number
• number of police report

Makes Notes and Document the Accident

If at all possible, document as much detail of the accident as you can, take photos with a camera, or alternatively on your cell phone. You’ll need:

• Photos of damage to your vehicle, from all angles
• Photos of the accident scene, and any important evidence
• Photos of the people who were involved in the accident

Here are a few things you really should or shouldn’t do:

• Don’t panic.
• Don’t admit anything, not until you’ve had a chance to really think about what happened. If you jump out of your car and say that you’re sorry it’ll point the finger of blame at you, even if you’re just an exceptionally polite human being.
• Do cooperate as much as possible with the police.
• Do keep calm and be polite. Screaming and shouting won’t solve anything, although it might make you feel better temporarily.

Handy Stuff to Have Around in Case of Accidents

• Vehicle registration document
• Insurance ID card
• List of emergency contacts (maybe in your wallet!)
• Medical card with details of any allergies etc
• Note pad, pens and pencils
• First aid kit
• Flash light
• Blanket
• Jumper cables
• Cell phone
• Disposable camera (if there isn’t one on your cell phone)

After all, if you know what to do and have everything you need, you’re less likely to panic if you are involved in an accident.