What You Should Do Right After a Car Accident
According to Statista, there are over 6 million road accidents per year in the United States. That’s a frightening statistic if you ply the roads every day. Fortunately, many of these accidents result in damage to cars rather than drivers or occupants. Nonetheless, one in three accidents results in injuries to one person, while one of every five accidents is fatal.
Several people are abreast with tips and tricks on preventing road accidents. Sadly, not many know what to do when an accident occurs. Thus, a large number end up making mistakes that usually cost them legally in the long run. Here are a few things you should do when an accident occurs:
See if There’s Anyone Who Needs Help
Accidents often happen in a flash, and you may find yourself blurred and not too sure what to do. Park your car and make sure you set your handbrake. Take a moment and scan your body to see if there are any injuries.
As with life, you should always think of others. Check the cars to see if all the occupants are safe and well. Chances are, someone may need first aid, and that may be the difference between life and death. It is for these reasons that drivers are obliged to have first aid boxes. It is also for this reason that you should have some training and skill in first aid delivery.
Call the Police
Whether you’re the victim or the cause of an accident, the key thing you should do is to call the police immediately. Thankfully, 911 is easy to dial, and you are guaranteed a response almost immediately. Calling the police is an essential step because it documents the incident, as well as ensures that you can make a valid insurance claim.
The police will ask preliminary questions. Avoid blanket answers if you are not sure. They will also detail instructions to you regarding the accident; follow it to the letter. It would absolve you of some liabilities.
Protect and Document the Accident Scene
Protect the scene by setting up flares to alert other road users. Alternatively or alongside, you can keep your hazard lights on – especially when it’s dark. Bring out your triangles and set them up to ensure no driver bumps into the crash scene.
Usually, a crash scene may attract people long before law enforcement arrives. To ensure there is no tampering of the scene, you can take pictures and quickly document the scene. However, ensure that you don’t ignore people who may need help and go around taking pictures. Focus on helping anyone who needs help first. After all, lives matter most.
Go for a Medical Checkup Immediately
Know what to do when an accident occurs
Don’t join the bandwagon of people who say, “If I can’t feel anything, it means I’m fine.” That’s a dangerous mindset to have. For instance, conditions like internal bleeding and concussions take time to discern. However you feel, the most appropriate action you should take is to visit a doctor.
First of all, a medical record will give you insight into the extent of your injury and the steps you should take to get better. Secondly, it will establish liability and prove causation in the event you want to seek legal redress.
Ideally, it would be best if you headed over to the medical facility where you get your treatments. Because they have your history, they can give you better recommendations. However, don’t bend over backwards to do that when you can get a nearby hospital.
Conclusion
Nobody wishes for accidents, but as long as there’s a possibility for motor and human error, accidents will occur. Knowing what to do when an accident takes place is crucial. In this post, we have listed some helpful tips that can help you cut through the clutter. Start by protecting and recording the accident scene, call the police, and ensure you have yourself checked out medically. This will guarantee that you have no regrets later.
