It can be the most difficult thing to do to keep calm when one figures in a vehicular accident. The sudden adrenaline rush of driving a car in direct collision with another is a natural body reaction. Granting that the accident is not that serious as to render the driver immobile or unconscious, drivers involved in an accident have a number of things to remember to help in assessing the situation and avoiding complications in the future.
Keep Calm
After the hit, it is important to keep calm to help yourself think more clearly. Assess your physical condition and try to determine if it will be safer to get out of the car or to stay put. This is probably the hardest thing to do under the circumstances but this is the most important. Everything else depends on it.
Call for Help
Contact the police and relatives and inform them of your situation and your exact location. Other important information to provide include your name and phone number so they can call back if necessary. It is important to keep emergency numbers on hand. If it is possible or allowable to move the vehicle to a safer area where it will not block incoming traffic, then do so. It has to be noted that there are certain circumstances where moving the vehicle is not advisable such as when there is a possibility that the vehicle will explode or in states where it is illegal to move vehicles involved in a crash.
Get Information
When you figure in an accident with another vehicle, it is important to get the other driver’s information as well as the owner’s information if the driver is not the owner. Required information include name of the driver, name of owner, driver’s license number, address, phone number, insurance company, and the license plate number.
Take Note of Accident Details
While waiting for assistance, it would be best to write the details of the accident as you remember it so it would be easier to describe the surrounding circumstances of the incident to authorities. It would be better if you can draw a sketch or take photographs, if possible. Professional assistance may be required for major accidents since official reports are required by insurance companies.
Seek Help for Post-Traumatic Stress After the Accident
It is common for people who met an accident to feel some anxiety and stress after. Talking with friends and relatives about the incident can help. For more serious cases, professional help must be sought.
Teresa is a researcher-writer who covers a wide range of topics in search of useful information.
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