What To Do If You’re In An Accident On The Road

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Whether you’re teaching your teen how to drive or returning to driving yourself after spending several years away from the wheel, knowing what to do in the event of an accident is crucial, not only for your own safety but the safety of those around you, too. 

After all, while you may be confident in your driving skills, it’s estimated that thirteen car accidents take place every 60 seconds in the US, per a study from the Bureau of Transport. 

Photo by Per Lööv on Unsplash

With that in mind, here’s some advice that you may find useful if you’re involved in an accident on the road. 

Get to a safe space. Following any kind of roadside accident, getting yourself and any other passengers to a safe place is critical. For example, you need to make sure that you do not remain in the path of traffic. You should turn on your hazard lights and get out of the car if it is safe to do so. 

Check yourself and others for injuries. Once you’ve moved to a safe place, you should check yourself (and others) for injuries so that you can begin to administer support if necessary. 
Call the relevant authorities. Regardless of whether or not anyone is dealing with serious injuries, your next step should always be to reach out to the relevant emergency services.

This way, the relevant first responders can be dispatched, whether this is the police or ambulance staff. When on the call:

• Speak clearly and calmly, trying not to panic
• Provide accurate information as to your location 
• Describe any injuries sustained by involved parties

If someone involved in the accident is seriously injured, you may be asked to perform first-aid tasks until the first responders arrive. Again, it is important that you remain calm and level-headed when doing so. This will make it much easier to follow instructions and provide them with the care and support they need. 

Exchange details. If possible, to do so during this time, you should also exchange contact and insurance details with the other involved parties. This will make it much easier should you need to make a claim based on injuries or damage sustained to your car. 

Contact a lawyer. If you’re injured and not at fault, the accident can have a long-term impact on your life. For example, you could be dealing with the emotional fallout of this event or need to take time off to properly recover. In any case, reaching out to a personal injury lawyer is worthwhile. This will ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve moving forward, making it easier to access the support you need.

Don’t rush to return to the road. Many of those who are involved in an accident attempt to get back on the road again as quickly as possible. However, it is important that you do not do so before you are ready, as this can have a negative impact on your mental health. Instead, return to the road when you feel comfortable and prepared to do so. 

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