Driving safely and staying focused on the road will massively help to minimize your chances of being in any kind of accident, and every responsible mom and dad always do their best to stay safe on the roads, especially with little ones on board.
Unfortunately, we can’t account for the actions of others. Even if you’re driving perfectly safely, following the rules, observing your surroundings, and keeping your hands on the wheel at all times, other drivers can be reckless, negligent, or distracted, leading to fender benders and collisions of all kinds.
Many people don’t like to imagine themselves in those kinds of situations, but it’s important to be prepared, able to answer the big questions like “What’s the first thing to do after an accident?” or “What do I do if the other driver isn’t insured?”
So what should you do if you’re in an accident that isn’t your fault? Here’s a simple guide of the key points to bear in mind.
Make Sure Everyone Is Okay
The first and most important thing after any kind of accident, even a minor fender bender, is to stop the vehicle, turn off the engine, and check with your passengers that everyone is okay.
Whether you’re driving with kids or adults, it’s normal for everyone to be a little shaken up after an accident, so be sure to double-check that everyone isn’t feeling any serious pain, especially in the neck or head area.
If anyone does seem to be injured, they should ideally try not to move until emergency personnel arrive on the scene.
Move Away From The Vehicle
If you and your passengers are unharmed or only have minor injuries that won’t be made worse by movement, the next thing to do is get out of the vehicle and move across to a safe space on the side of the road.
This is especially important at night, as other drivers coming along might not notice the accident site right away, and the situation could get worse if additional vehicles get involved.
If your car is safe to drive and you’re able to do so, you may also want to pull it over to the side of the road to avoid causing an obstruction to other drivers, but if this isn’t possible, simply apply the hazard lights and get yourself to a safe space, or remain seated if you feel in pain.
Call The Cops
The next step may seem like a big one in some cases, especially minor fender benders in which nobody really seems to be hurt, but it is recommended to call the police and inform them of the situation.
In fact, this is a legal obligation in some states, so it really is important not to skip this step or convince yourself that calling the police isn’t necessary. The officers who respond to your call will be able to help out in a lot of ways.
They’ll be able to take any witness statements regarding what happened, as well as taking your statement, filing a report on the accident, helping to calm down any irate drivers or passengers in the area, and generally making the scene safer. You may also need to rely on the report later on if you enter a legal case regarding the accident.
Exchange Insurance Information
Once the police have been called and passengers have been checked over for any injuries, you’ll also need to exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver or drivers involved in the accident.
It’s generally recommended to get their name, phone number, insurance company, policy number, license plate number, and driver’s license details.
You should also take this time to write down some details about their vehicle, such as its make and model, as well as the site of the accident, and you may want to take some photos of the scene, if possible, as evidence.
If you’re able, this is the time to document as much as possible, and the more photos you take and things you write down, the better prepared you’ll be to deal with any legal case later on. Once all the information is gathered, you can call your insurance company and start a claim.
Conclusion
Being in an accident can be quite scary, but driving safely and smartly is the best way to minimize risks and keep yourself and your family safe. If any accidents do occur, be sure to bear these simple steps in mind and follow the process the right way to avoid any further issues.
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