A car accident will always be unexpected. That’s what an accident is; something that’s completely unpredictable. And because of that, whether it’s something more serious or a small prang, an accident can feel pretty traumatic. Well, a small prang might not be as overwhelming but any kind of accident has the potential to leave you feeling unsure of what to do next.
Let’s clear that up for you right now so that if you’re ever involved in an accident, you don’t stumble about in a daze or drive off before doing what needs to be done. Not only can this info keep you safe, but if you have car insurance and need to put in a claim then you’ll be adequately prepared.
There are actually 4 things that you need to pay attention to and we’ve broken them up for you so that it’s easier to remember.
1. Safety check
- Safety: If you can, get your car and any passengers (and yourself) to a safe place.
- Injuries: If anyone has bumps, scratches, or something more serious, call an ambulance.
- Tow: If you have insurance, then you need to call your insurer’s approved towline or else you’ll be liable for the costs.
2. Safety check done, what next?
- Details: Note down ALL the necessary details of anyone involved in the accident, including names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, ID numbers, licence numbers (including the code on the licence), car registration numbers, and the make and models of other cars.
- Other notes: Jot down things like the time of the crash, location, number of passengers, weather conditions, and road surface conditions.
- Photos: Use your phone to snap pics of the damage in case you need evidence.
If this all seems like too much to remember right now, then we suggest that you download an accident form, print it out and keep it in your car’s cubby hole. King Price has prepared an accident form for this exact purpose.
3. Call the po-po
- Police: Even if the damage is minimal, you need to report the accident.
The thing is, you’ll need a police report in order to make an insurance claim. Even if you don’t intend to claim, the other party could claim that you refused to give your details or that it was a hit-and-run. That’s why you need to go to the nearest police station once you’re sure that it’s safe to leave the scene.
After the accident
- Keep everything: Keep all the docs and info because your insurer or lawyer (things can get to this stage) needs this as evidence.
- Call: If you’re claiming for the accident, then you’ll need to report the incident to your insurer within 24 hours of the accident taking place. If you don’t have cover and you feel that lawyers will get involved, then rather be proactive and find legal representation sooner rather than later.
One of the biggest challenges that you face after an accident is what happens next, and a lot of the info and proof that you might need to help get you back on your feet is what you’ll gather in the aftershock. As in, those 5 to 10 minutes following the accident. That’s why these 4 areas are so vital to be aware of, because it doesn’t help to find out that you needed the other driver’s ID number or that a picture of your dented bumper would have sped up the recovery process.
While we’re talking about the recovery process… If you don’t have car insurance or aren’t secure in the policy that you’ve currently got, then take a moment to get a super cheap car insurance quote from an insurer who has a good claims pay-out reputation and helps you get back on the road as soon as superhumanly possible.
How To Handle An Emergency https://t.co/vvcJWpkD2W #ArriveAlive pic.twitter.com/ILyJxnXqud
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) December 15, 2016