Car Accident Do's and Don’ts

No one likes to think about being in an automobile accident. Yet the frightening truth is we can be in the blink of an eye. Knowing what to do to keep you and your family safe is worth knowing.
First and foremost make sure you and your passenger’s are not hurt!
Here are some Do’s when you’re in a car accident:

• Check everyone for injuries. Call emergency services if there are injuries.
• Check for smells of leaking gas if the collision was hard enough to cause extensive damage.
• Make sure you’re in a safe place if possible exit to the shoulder and get off the road.
• Stay at the scene do not drive away. Wait for the police.
• When possible exit the car to exchange information with others involved.
• Take pictures for police reports. It’s a good idea to keep a camera in the car for such an occasion. However a mobile phone camera works just as well.
• Have a note book in the car to make notes. Simply put a disposable camera and note pad in the car just in case.
• Have emergency numbers stored in your cell phone. Tow Service, Police, Repair Shops.

Obviously, if persons are injured in an accident call emergency services immediately. Get help for anyone that requires it. Cars can be fixed, people maybe a little more difficult.
Here are some Don’ts:

• Never leave the scene. Stop and get information or lend aid to injured persons.
• Do not move an injured person from a car, unless that person is in emanate danger from fire or other extreme hazards. Otherwise, let first responders help injured persons who may be gravely injured. Help with comfort and First Aid.
• Don’t forget to get the information of all parties involved or potential witnesses who might have seen the accident.

Make sure that you document the accident. Pictures are extremely helpful. Get statements from potential witnesses that can aid in fault.
As soon as possible make a police report if the High Command does not show up at the scene of the accident. You must go to the office that has jurisdiction closest to the site of the accident. File a proper police report you will need it for your insurance. If both parties are agreeable go together. You can give your statement to any police officer at any station. Make sure you do it in a timely manner.
If you allow time to pass you can forget important information that can help you should any civil matters arise.
Make sure you have all the information about the other car involved such as:

• Year, Make and Model of the car.
• License Plate Number, take a photo.

Make sure you have the other parties’ driver’s license information. It’s also good to make a photo of the license that all information can be clearly seen.
Take care to get this done quickly and document the process to protect your interest. Civil matters will be handled with ease when you can support your claims with an accurate report and good pictures of the scene and cars involved.
Drive safely friends and be prepared for the unexpected with a good disposable camera and note pad.