All car accidents don’t involve considerable number of flips, a dive off the cliff, and a huge flaming explosion. That’s Hollywood selling you lies. An accident can happen to anyone on the road, and it usually involves paint scratches, broken glass, dents and a collision. It could happen because the driver missed seeing a car on his blind spot, and BAAM! Next thing you know, you’re in an accident on the streets of Edmonton.
So what should you do if you are in a car accident?
Stop
If you’re the culprit who caused the accident, your mind will be screaming that you get out of there now. That’s your flight or fight response kicking in. Ignore it. You need to deal with situation. Plus, once the other driver submits a complaint to the police, they will find you. The driver or a traffic camera would have your license plate number, more than enough to track you down.
Stay Calm
Accidents can come in all types and often, it may seems like – “That was a close call!”
This leads to emotions running high from both sides. It’s vital that you stay calm when you get out of the car. Even if the other driver is furious, stay cool and handle the situation with a calm mind. In the process, do your best to calm the other driver.
Check that Everyone is Safe
Ensure that everyone in your vehicle is safe. Check for sprains, broken bones or a bleeding nose. Next, ensure that no one is injured in the other car too.
Depending on the situation, you can take the injured person to the hospital yourself or call the ambulance service. You may also have to call the Fire Emergency service depending on the damage done to the car.
Exchange Information
Both of the drivers need to exchange information like insurance number, contact details, license number and license plate number.
Record What Happened
Write down what happened, in detail, while your memory is still fresh. This is information that will come in handy in dealing with the police and insurance company.
Contact the Police
If the damage is severe and someone is injured, the police needs to be contacted. You will have to fill up a Collision Report Form.
Call the Insurance Company
At this point, you’ll be glad you invested in a good insurance. Give your insurance company a call, explain to them what happened and wait for their instructions.
Other Things to Keep in Mind
- Pick a tow company that you can trust and offers the best price. Don’t get pressured into going for the first one that arrives at the scene.
- Wait for a few days before you get the car repaired. An insurance agent may want to take a look at the damage.
- If the other driver is the one to blame, he may offer you cash to resolve the situation. Decline it simply because you never know how much the repair costs, and what he is offering may not be sufficient.
And, if your car does end up exploding in a car accident, then the good news is that you can get another car. With financial help from Insta Auto Loan, you can take your pick of the best cars in the market.
