When you first learned to drive, it’s highly likely that you were taught the importance of being prepared for anything while you’re on the road – whether that taught you to keep an eye out for other drivers or be wary of adverse weather such as driving in snow. However, it’s also important to remember that accidents happen from time to time. So you should prepare yourself for the possibility, ensuring that you know exactly what to do and when.
With that in mind, here is a guide of exactly what you should do after a car accident or collision that was not your fault. This is just a guide.
What to do immediately after the accident
- Stop the car; if possible, you should move the vehicle out of the way of direct traffic.
- If in an area of low visibility, turn on fog lights so that passing vehicles are aware of your car.
- Assess your injuries and, if possible, offer medical support to others. If somebody appears to be seriously injured, do not attempt to move them as this can exasperate injuries.
- Call for emergency services, even if you are not injured. In most areas, calling the police after any form of accident is a legal requirement.
- If possible, get out of the car and move to a safe place while you wait for emergency services.
- If another driver is involved in the accident, get their details for insurance purposes. Ideally, you should get their name, contact details, insurance number, car details (license plate, make, etc.).
What to do following the accident
- Keep an eye out for signs of injury that may not have been immediately visible, such as concussion or whiplash. Seek medical help if necessary. If you aren’t entirely sure, you should make an appointment with your doctor – as it is better to be safe than sorry.
- Contact your insurance company and provide them with details regarding what happened. This is a crucial step to protect yourself financially from an otherwise costly experience. The earlier you get in touch with your insurance company, the better.
- Address any issues with your car, ensuring that it is safe for the road. Though it may be expensive, it is important that you don’t cut corners when it comes to maintaining your car, which could only lead to problems further down the line. For example, the cheapest repairs are not always the most reliable or long-lasting. Thankfully, many companies offer affordable restoration services you can trust, whether you need auto glass repair or more expensive repairs.
- Give yourself a little break from being behind the wheel. While you should not let this stop you from driving altogether, you need to recover from the accident both emotionally and physically. Talk openly about how the experience has affected you, as this will allow you to process your emotions and move forward with confidence.
- When returning to driving, start with small journeys and remember to keep calm. Though you may feel a little overwhelmed at first, trust in your abilities and awareness.
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