What To Do Immediately After a Car Accident
(~350w, 2nd Person, Casual/Educational)
No matter how safe you are, car accidents happen. Even if they don’t cause serious injuries, they’re still a pain.
Even a minor fender bender or low speed t-bone can be chaotic. But behind the confusion, fear, or anger you may feel, clarity of mind is waiting.
Knowing how to react can make this bad situation a little more manageable. Whether you’re in the road, parking lot, or elsewhere, follow these steps.
1. Stop & Breathe
Fleeing the scene of an accident is illegal. Even if you’re scared or embarrassed, fight any urge to go. You should take a couple deep breaths to get some clarity of mind. In takes literally two seconds, and helps you realize accidents happen every day and there’s a right way to handle them.
2. Get Out of Harm’s Way
The natural instinct of many is to get out and see what has happened. However, you should always be aware of traffic and try to get on the side of the road if possible. If you can’t get your car there, don’t try to stay with it.
3. Check for Injuries
Once you’re in a safe place, see if anyone is injured. Even minor aches, pains, cuts, or bruises may need to be assessed by a physician. What seems like a tiny scrape could get infected, and what feels like a slight neck cramp could lead to mobility issues.
4. Protect the Scene
After you know no one is seriously injured, it’s time to protect the scene. Use road flares or reflective road cones if you have them to mark the perimeter of the accident, especially at night.
5. Make the Necessary Calls
The main call you’ll make (after assessing whether you should call an ambulance) is to the police to file an accident report. You may also need to call a tow truck for the car and a ride home for yourself. Then call your insurance company about what to do next.
When you need an insurance partner you can count on in tough times, call Crone’s Insurance in Covington, KY. With over 100 years of combined experience, this team can help you insure your car, home, and much more. Visit us online or call (197) 969-9720.