While no one can predict when an accident will happen, it is important to know what to do if you are involved in one. When you are in a car accident, the aftermath can be confusing and traumatic, but by being prepared, you can help minimize the stress and chaos caused by an accident. If you find yourself in a car accident, here are Car Craft’s top ten tips to follow to ensure everyone’s safety.
- Pull Over and Stay Safe From Oncoming Traffic
When you are in a car accident, it is important to stay safe. Pull over to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights – this alerts oncoming traffic that there has been an accident and to be wary. If it is unsafe to stay in your vehicle, get out and move away from traffic so that you don’t put yourself at risk from other drivers on the road.
- Call an Ambulance if Yourself or Someone Else is Injured
If an injury is serious or life threatening, call an ambulance immediately to the scene of the accident. If an injury is minor, see a doctor immediately to seek treatment. Even if you don’t think you are injured, it is best to get checked out by a doctor just in case, as there are injuries that exist beyond physical wounds.
- Call The Police
You will need to contact the police by calling 000 if your accident meets the following:
- A person was killed or injured
- A driver did not stop and give their details to the other driver or drivers
- A vehicle was towed away after the accident
In these circumstances, the police will need to come to the scene of the accident to file a report. You must report this accident as soon as possible and within 24 hours, unless there are exceptional circumstances. It is an offence if you do not.
- Exchange Information With The Other Driver
Exchange your name, address, phone number, insurance company, and policy number with the other driver. This information will be necessary if you need to file a claim later on and need to be in contact with the other driver.
- Take Pictures of The Scene
If possible, take pictures of the cars involved in the accident, as well as any damage that was done. This will help with your case later if you need to provide any documentation or proof.
- Get Contact Information From Any Witnesses
If there were any witnesses to the accident, get their name, address, phone number, and email address if possible. Witnesses can be helpful if you need to file a claim later on as they can provide a third party recount of the events.
- Do Not Admit Fault
Do not admit fault for the accident to anyone, including the police or the other driver involved in the accident. It is best to wait until all of the facts have been collected before making any decisions about who is at fault, as there may be some alternative information that impacts liability.
- Contact a Legal Professional
If you have been injured in a car accident, it is best to seek legal advice right away. An experienced, legal professional can provide you with advice or help you file a claim and get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
- Keep Track of Your Expenses Related to The Accident
This includes medical bills, prescriptions costs, therapy sessions, and lost wages from missed work. These expenses can be included in your claim against the other driver’s insurance company.
- Contact a Car Craft Member to Repair Your Vehicle
If you have been in an accident and are in search of a car smash repairs service or assistance at an accident repair centre, Car Craft are here to help. Simply use our Member Locator to find your nearest Accident Repair Centre to repair any damage and have your car fixed in no time.
By following these tips, you can help keep yourself and your passengers safe during and after a car accident. No one can predict when an accident will happen, but by being prepared, you can help ensure everyone’s safety in the event of a car accident. If you have been in an accident, Car Craft are here to help get your vehicle back on the road as quickly and safely as possible. So if you’re ever in need of a reliable and professional car smash repair service, be sure to give Car Craft Group a call.