Even the most experienced drivers find themselves in a confused state of mind after they have met with an accident. However, being prepared beforehand can save time, avoid financial loss, and most importantly, protect your life in case of an accident. We’ve gathered the most essential information to guide you in handling an accident and ways that can help avoid misadventures altogether. You can also click here to read more about what is required of you if you’ve been in a minor car accident.
Calm Your Nerves
Remember to keep calm when you are involved in an accident. Controlling your emotions during these times is crucial, as getting upset about the situation will not help in any way. Instead, try not to drift away in the surge of emotions that can cloud your judgment. Take a deep breath, stop and switch off your car if it’s in working condition, pull up the handbrake, and avoid getting outraged as it can work against you, even if it’s not your fault.
Make Way for Traffic
In case of a minor accident, move your car out of the way of traffic. But if your vehicle has stalled, immediately turn on the hazard lights to inform oncoming traffic to slow down.
Photograph the Aftermath
After ensuring everyone’s safety, take photos of the accident site and the damage your vehicle endured. Documenting is necessary as it can serve as evidence that helps to pursue a personal injury or insurance claim.
Report the Incident
It is extremely important to report the accident to the police, even if there is no evident injury seen. Reporting an official statement makes sure that every aspect of the accident is noted down. These official statements come in handy if the other party has made a claim against you, or you have to press personal injury claims.
Call for Medical Assistance
If you have been injured in an accident, turn on the hazard lights and stay in your vehicle while you call for help. In case of minor injuries, check on the other party and call an ambulance if they have moderate to severe injuries. Remember to never pull out a severely injured person from their vehicle, as it may lead to further injuries and complications.
Choose Words Wisely
Confronting the other party involved or being courteous is a natural response that can get us into trouble after an accident. Talking about the incident will not help. Instead, stick to the facts and don’t admit anything, even if it’s your fault. Personal injury claim professionals at www.weaverfirm.com recommend avoiding discussion with the other party on the cost of damages or deciding on whose fault it was. Rather, wait for the police to arrive at the accident site, and let them evaluate who’s at fault. Depending on the situation, there is even a possibility that the officer might hold both parties at fault.
Ways to Avoid Accidents
Now that we have discussed the essential tips on handling an accident, let’s dig in a bit deeper and learn how we can avoid getting into an accident in the first place.
- Stay vigilant on the road and slow down the vehicle when making a turn or passing through an intersection. Use your rearview and side-view mirrors to double-check for any incoming traffic.
- Refrain from activities like tuning your radio station on the car music system, or talk on the phone, especially during times of increased traffic. Maintain your focus on the road and your hands on the wheel.
- When passing through residential areas or school districts, drive the vehicle under speed limits, follow these steps for safety, and watch for kids while you drive.
- Always maintain your car to avoid any fault in brakes, engine, or tires that could become the cause of the accident.
- Fenders and other blind spots make it difficult when making a turn or leaving parking spaces.
- Avoid tailgating and leave an adequate distance between you and the vehicle ahead. Furthermore, don’t drive your vehicle over the speed limit and start the journey early to reach on time.
- Roads are to be kept safe. So, follow the rules while driving your vehicle and treat everyone with respect. Remember to report suspicious driving to the authorities as it can result in an accident
- Take driving school lessons to improve your driving skills and revise traffic rules and signs often.
- Avoid driving under the influence of any drug and don’t consume alcohol as this influence can put your life at risk of an accident.
These were all the tips and strategies you can follow to avoid any mishaps on your journey and make you ever-ready for an unfortunate event like an accident.