The ability to drive could be considered essential in this day and age. It allows people the freedom to cover more ground and opens up opportunities that would be difficult without wheels. There is more traffic on the road than ever before. In the US alone, there are 276 million drivers; that’s a lot of vehicles! More traffic means more risk, and it’s a sad fact that 1.35 million people die in traffic accidents each year.
Mindful driving is essential to avoid accidents, and adopting good driving habits could be life- saving. Always ensure you don’t use your phone when driving and try to a considerate driver, not giving in to hostility. Never drink and drive and not to head off for a long drive when you’re tired. However, even the best drivers can’t always predict the actions of others. If you have been involved in a car accident, what should you do?
Call emergency services
It can be a shock to the system if you are in a crash. It’s essential you stop the car and get out of your vehicle unless you are hurt and unable. If you remember, switch on your hazard warning lights to alert other drivers to drive around you, and always make sure your engine is off. You may need a few moments to take some deep breaths and calm your nerves. If you have a passenger or a kind Samaritan who has stopped to help, ask them if they will call the police for you. If anyone is injured, the ambulance must be called to the scene. Even if there are no injuries, it’s crucial the police must attend as they can direct the traffic and help organise the exchange of details. They can also diffuse any potential conflict that can arise after an accident.
Swap details
Swapping insurance details is the law if you are involved in a crash. You will need details of insurances to make a claim. Make sure you give your full name, address and insurance company, along with policy number and car registration. If you are unfortunate enough to have hit a stationary car, leave your details on the car windscreen so the owners can contact you. Note down the date and time of the crash; these details may be useful if you need to go to court to prove liability. It is also helpful to take details of any witnesses of the crash. The more information you have, the better as they can act as vital evidence at a later date.
Take photos
One of the joys of technology is that most people have a smartphone these days. And smartphones have a photo function; very useful in an accident situation as you can take photos for evidence. Photograph the car damage and any skids on the road as professionals investigating the crash can gather vital information from tyre marks. You should also take photos of the surrounding areas as this can provide some context and help identify any contributory factors, such as traffic volume or hidden hazards.
Talk to professionals
Of course, it may be that all the above steps are carried out by someone else if you are unable to. Sadly, serious injury is a risk in any car crash, and prompt action is vital. If you have been injured, and it has impacted your everyday health and work-life it’s important you talk to specialists to help you understand your options. Legal complexities may be confusing, but you can find car accident injury examples online to help you understand the process and advice on what you need to do to help you recover and get the justice you deserve. Compensation claims can be a long process, but take one step at a time and be confident that if the accident was not your fault, a payout is likely.
Look after your mental health
Dealing with physical injury after an accident is challenging, but with the right medical team you will receive the best treatment and hopefully make a full recovery. But what about the psychological impact?
The shock of a car accident, depending on its severity, can have a psychological impact. A study has revealed that many have persistent problems or suddenly developed anxiety months after the accident, and this may manifest when traveling, passing other accidents, or even in non-related situations. When you experience a trauma, your central nervous system is designed to protect you and triggers a fight or flight response. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always recognize when the danger is over and can trigger the same reaction in non-threatening conditions. Recognizing you have PTSD (post-traumatic stress syndrome) symptoms is the first step to recovery. If anxiety is cropping up, and you find it harder to deal with everyday life, then reach out and ask for help. There are many therapies available to help your system relinquish the trauma and regain some calm. Contact your GP, who can put you in touch with suitable professionals. Don’t ignore it, it doesn’t have to rule your life.
Get back in the car
You’ve probably heard the saying ‘get back on the horse?’ You should always get back on a horse as soon as possible if you are unlucky enough to be thrown off it. The same is true of driving,if you avoid driving for too long after an accident, you may develop a phobia, which will make it harder to get back in the driving seat, so it’s important to face the fear and get driving if you are able. When fear starts to rule, we undestandlably try to avoid that fear by avoiding actions. But this is the worse thing to do and can limit our lives. As mentioned above, talking to a professional can significantly improve your quality of life and equip you with the relevant skills to move forward after an accident and live a full and happy life.
Don’t give up driving! Be mindful, concentrate on your good driving habits, and maintain awareness of others. If you do have an accident, do the right thing, contact the professionals, and look after yourself and you can move forward. Happy motoring!
