How to Properly
Handle a Motor Vehicle Accident
There is not a single responsible driver out there that
plans on getting into a fender-bender on their daily commute. Yet every day there are auto collisions of
varying severity that occur on the roads.
Not knowing what to do in the event of an accident can lead to greater
injuries and unnecessary financial loss. Nobody plans on getting into a car
accident but having a plan of action if and when one occurs can drastically
reduce injury, cost, and stress. Here
are a few tips on how to properly handle a motor vehicle accident.
Keep an Accident Kit
in Your Vehicle
It will make dealing with an auto collision much easier if
you are prepared with the relevant emergency items. Make sure to keep an emergency accident kit
with the following items in your vehicle at all times.
- A first-aid kit
- A pen or pencil and a notepad for taking down
information
- Cellphone or disposable camera for taking
photographs of the scene and any damages to the vehicles or property
- Documentation for the vehicle’s registration and
insurance policy
- Warning signals such as safety flares or pylons to
ensure other drivers on the road can see you
Medical Attention
Not all vehicle collisions result in bodily injuries but it
is still imperative that you ensure all parties involved in the accident are unharmed
and safe. If you, the other driver or any
of your passengers show any signs of injury, you must call emergency services
immediately. If there is any doubt that somebody is injured, the best option is
to call emergency services right away as some injuries take hours or even days
to reveal themselves.
Exchange Driver
Information
In the event of a crash, it is important to collect some
vital information from the other driver.
Although the experience of a crash is short-term, you need to protect
yourself in the long-term in case you or your insurance provider will need to
follow up with the other driver. Make
sure you get the following details:
- Driver’s full name
- Driver’s address and contact information
- Driver’s license number
- Driver’s insurance information (Name of their
insurance provider and the driver’s policy number)
- Driver’s vehicle information such as make, model
and plate number
Document the Details
of the Collision
Remember the pen and notepad in your accident kit? You will
need to use them to write down as much information regarding the incident as
possible. Memory tends to fade over time and the sooner you are able to record
the facts of the collision, the better you can protect yourself in the event of
any insurance disputes. Document the following details:
- The exact location of where the motor vehicle
collision occurred
- The direction both vehicles were travelling
- How the collision occurred
- A photograph of the scene from many angles
ensuring to capture all relevant street signs
- Names and contact information of any witnesses
or bystanders
Drive Safe
Although we all try our best to drive responsibly, accidents
do happen. Knowing how to properly
handle a motor vehicle collision can greatly improve your chances of minimizing
injury and cost.