We all think that we know what to do in the event of a car accident but when we emerge from the crumpled car─ hopefully injury free─ and the adrenalin is flowing and tempers fraying, will we remember what to say or do?
We assume that we will but here’s a reminder:
A motorist involved in an accident that has resulted in injuries or damage to vehicles or property is required to stop at the scene. Switch off the engine and turn on the vehicle’s hazard lights. Take a couple of minutes to compose yourself and to check on and reassure your passengers before leaving the car.
The wellbeing of the individuals involved in the accident is of primary importance so you should establish if anyone is injured and in need of expert medical help. If so, call 999 and request an ambulance. If you’re not a medical doctor and are in doubt over the extent of any the injuries, play it safe and call for help anyway.
Road traffic accidents are emotional situations and the experts recommend that the involved parties remain calm and in control. Do not get into any discussions with the opposing party about who was responsible for the accident, make accusations and assign blame. If you were at fault, it is not advisable to admit liability or assume any responsibility for the accident. It is far better to focus on the practicalities involved. Write down the colour, make and registrations numbers of all the vehicles involved in the accident. The law states that drivers must exchange the following information: name, address, telephone numbers and insurance details.
In the case of later disputes, it makes sense to obtain the names and contact details of any witnesses to the accident, including any passengers present in the vehicles involved in the accident. If they have digital business cards on them for example, it is a good idea to ask for one. Exchanging business cards is a good way to ensure that details are gathered correctly.
All motorists should have an accident box in the car, which includes a first aid kit and a list of steps you should follow. The list will calm you down and remove a lot of the stress from the situation as you calmly move from one step to the next. In the pack you should have a notebook and pen to write down all the details needed and to make sketches of the accident scene. The experts also advise that you use the camera on the mobile phone to record the scene.
Once you are away from the scene, had a cup of tea and are thinking clearly, check your insurance cover to make sure you are aware of whether you are covered for personal injury, accident damage and any other compensation claims. If in doubt, seek expert help.
As long as cars are driving by humans we will have accidents but motorists can take make the process easier to navigate by following the steps outlined above.
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