Photo by Usman Malik on Unsplash
Getting your license and becoming a driver comes with many responsibilities. We prepare young people by teaching them to operate the vehicle and giving them practice time while they have a permit. Some families might even pay for driving lessons and teach young motorists how to change flat tires and handle a breakdown.
While this preparation is good, there’s something many of us forget when preparing young people to become motorists. We often overlook teaching young people what to do if they are ever in a motor vehicle accident. This is important because accidents are stressful events, and people might not know how to respond properly.
According to a truck accident lawyer from Chopin Law Firm, “The moments after a car accident can be critical in many ways. First and foremost, you have the injury concerns and safety. However, your actions might also have legal implications. What you say and do at the scene could affect your right to compensation or impact legal liability. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a plan for if you’re ever in a traffic accident.”
Read on to learn about what drivers should do after a car accident. This advice can be useful for young people, but it is valuable for drivers of all ages and experience levels.
Check for Injuries First
Your priority after an accident should be to check for injuries. Take a moment to calm down and start by assessing yourself. Consider whether you feel pain anywhere, see blood, or if there are obvious signs like broken bones. Are you feeling dizzy or having trouble thinking clearly? If you’re okay or only have minor injuries, it’s time to start assessing the passengers in your vehicle.
Start by asking them simple questions to check on their alertness. Ask if they’re okay or if they feel any pain. Carefully examine them for signs of injuries. If anyone is injured, be careful about moving them as this could worsen the injuries. Remember that symptoms like headaches or neck pain may signal a concussion or whiplash, which can worsen if untreated. If anyone has injuries, call for emergency services right away.
Ensure Safety at the Scene
After checking injuries, it’s time to ensure safety at the scene. Turn your hazard lights on to alert other drivers. If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic to a safe area. Set up cones or emergency flares around the scene to prevent more accidents. If you don’t have flares or cones in your car, get them so you’re prepared for accidents. If the vehicle can’t move, take other people and walk to the side of the road. For people with serious injuries who can’t exit the vehicle, tell them to stay put and wait for help to arrive.
Report the Accident to the Police
Once you’ve assessed injuries and secured the scene, it is time to contact the police. This is especially important if there are serious injuries or extensive vehicle damage. A police report provides an official record of the accident, which can be useful if you have an insurance claim or need to take legal action. The police can also help secure the scene further and ensure the safety of all parties. They may also be able to help you clear the scene. Be prepared to share details about the accident, but avoid taking fault or assigning blame.
Talk to Other Parties
After calling the police, contact other drivers involved in the accident. Begin by checking if they’re safe and assist anyone who needs help. If there are injuries that haven’t been addressed, call for medical assistance. Even if you’ve called for emergency services for people in your car, you might need to call again to tell them you’ll need more ambulances at the scene.
After addressing injuries, it’s time to exchange information with other drivers. Get their names, addresses, contact information, driver’s license, plate numbers, and insurance details. It is important to stay calm and remain polite. Avoid discussing details of the accident or admitting fault. If the other driver tries talking about the accident, decline the conversation.
Inspect Your Vehicle for Damage
Now that you’ve exchanged information with other drivers, take a moment to inspect your vehicle for damage. Walk around your car to check each area, looking for visible issues such as dents, scratches, fluid leaks, or broken lights. Assess whether your vehicle is functional and safe to drive. If not, you may need to call a tow truck. Checking damage now can help you understand potential repair needs and give you a clearer picture for filing insurance claims.
Gather and Document Evidence
You’ll need to document the scene and gather evidence from the accident. This evidence can be vital for supporting insurance claims or lawsuits. Start by taking photos of all visible damage on your vehicle and the other vehicles involved. You should also take photos of the scene, like skid marks, debris, and obscured street signs. Make sure the images are clear and that they capture the necessary details.
Beyond taking pictures, you should also write notes about the accident. Record details like the time of day, lighting, and relevant weather conditions. When the police arrive, ask for their names and badge numbers and find out how to obtain a copy of the report. You should also find any witnesses and get their names and contact information.
Contact Your Insurer
Once you’ve collected evidence, report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible. You don’t need to provide every detail to your insurer with this initial contact; it is just to report the accident. Provide basic information about the accident, including the location, time, and names of the relevant parties. You can start the claims process later when you get home. You could call your insurer to start the claims process, but some have mobile apps to simplify the process. The apps may even allow you to upload photos and details.
Visit Your Doctor
If your injuries are serious, you’ll likely take an ambulance to a hospital. However, not all car accident injuries are that obvious. It’s smart to visit a doctor even if you feel fine after a car accident. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away. Having an examination ensures these injuries are identified quickly for a better recovery. Additionally, having documented medical records can be invaluable if you need to file an injury claim.
Along with seeing a doctor after the accident, it is important to keep up with your treatment. Complete all treatment plans and follow your doctor’s advice. Attend follow-up meetings so your doctor can monitor progress and provide additional treatment. You should also keep all medical documentation for any insurance claims or lawsuits.
Being prepared for an accident can make a big difference. It can ensure your safety, protect your rights, and limit legal liability. However, you may still need legal advice. If you think there may be legal issues, contact an attorney for a consultation.