file photo by Boyd Loving
The United States has a record of over 6 million motor vehicle accidents each year. With this statistic in mind, there’s a likely chance that you may get involved in a road accident. A road accident can happen to you when you least expect it. It may happen so suddenly that you may get lost in the moment before realizing what happened. It’s okay to freak out for a moment, but be sure to get back to your senses and gain your presence of mind in this situation. The first few moments after the accident are crucial for the next course of action that you will take, and so, therefore, it is important to know what to do after getting involved in a road accident.
Stay at the Scene
Never drive away from an accident scene, no matter how minor the accident, until it is appropriate to do so. If you leave the accident scene, especially if there are other persons who sustained an injury, you can face serious penalties for being a hit-and-run driver.
Protect the Scene
Prevent further accidents by drawing the attention of oncoming vehicles to the accident scene by setting up warning devices like a flare or activating your hazard light. If the accident happens at night and your vehicle’s lights don’t work, have a flashlight to keep yourself and other drivers safe by flashing your light while staying at the side of the road.
Avoid Standing on the Road
This is a particularly important practice to remember in any road accident. Road accidents don’t only involve car-to-car collisions. Other vehicles, even bicycles can commonly get involved in road accidents. An article by Cleveland law experts in https://adamsoncleveland.com/bicycle-accidents/ states that many cyclists get thrown from their bikes or get dragged along the pavement. If you are the cyclist, assess your injuries first and move to a safe spot on the side of the road if your injuries are minor. If you are the car driver, help in assessing the injury of the cyclist, but don’t do it on the road. When helping out or assessing the situation always do it on the safe side of the like the sidewalk or pavement.
Call the Police
It is always a good idea to call the police even if there are no serious injuries. A police report may be needed when you file a claim with your insurance company. Aside from visual documentation, a police report can substantiate your claim even if it is for the damage of the vehicle. The police can also help regulate the traffic if ever the vehicles involved in the accident are in the middle of the road and interfere with traffic.
Document the Scene and Make an Accurate Record
Be sure to disclose exactly what happened to the investigating officer(s) when the police arrive. Be honest and accurate to the best of your ability. If you don’t know certain facts or details, let the officer know. Do not speculate, guess or give opinionated statements. Also, make sure that the statements made by other persons involved in the accident are accurate as well.
Exchange Information
The investigating police officer is typically assigned with this task, but in cases where the police do not respond to the accident, you should obtain the name, address and contact details of the persons involved in the accident, including the driver and passengers. Also include the driver’s license number, license plate numbers, and basic insurance information. Accordingly, share the same information with the other party. Be cordial and cooperative in your approach when talking to the other driver.
Inform Your Insurance Company
Immediately report to your insurance company that you’ve been in an accident. Most policies require immediate notification and full cooperation. Explain the facts clearly and obtain police reports to back up your claim on who broke what traffic laws and who was at fault.
Call Your Attorney
The most important thing you can do in an accident is to call your lawyer to protect your rights. No matter how diligent you may have taken precautions after the accident, it is always best to have a lawyer’s advice to make sure that things are in order. This is particularly true when filing an insurance claim, personal injury compensation or seeking legal action against the other involved party.
A road accident can be a particularly stressful event that can happen to you. Being informed and armed with the proper knowledge can empower you and keep you calm and collected by knowing what to do after a road accident. Nevertheless, defensive and responsible driving are still your best means of preventing road accidents. Always drive safely at all times.
Fire hydrant busted today on Newcomb.
Water gushed down to Berkshire and into the sewers. Mud everywhere.
Where was Jimmy Olson…?