Afraid of Car Accidents? Here Is What to Do If You Are in One
Car accidents happen. It is a fact most of us tend to forget. We all assume that we are perfect drivers and we can never get into an accident. However, the statistics tell a different story, and you are likely to get into a crash at some point in your life.
A traffic accident is a nightmare for anyone, whether you are the liable party or the victim. There is a lot of confusion and emotion going around as you try to comprehend what just happened. Because of this and the possibility of injuries or even loss of lives, many people are afraid of car accidents.
A little preparation can go a long way in making the process more manageable. Having a pen and a bank accident report or a piece of paper can help you collect all the needed information about the accident. Here are other things you need to do if you are in a car accident.
1. Check For injuries
In the few minutes after the accident, check yourself for any noticeable inures. If you have a passenger in your car, also check them for any injuries. If you or your passenger experiences any neck or back pain, avoid any unnecessary movement until the first responders have arrived.
They know how to move patients with such injuries without aggravating the severity or creating any additional trauma. If you are bleeding, use the first aid kit in the car to stop the bleeding as you wait for the paramedics to arrive.
2. Scan Your Surroundings
It is normal to panic in such a situation, especially if you are afraid of car accidents. However, this only makes it harder to deal with it. It would help if you first took a few deep breaths to calm down and understand what is happening around you:
- Is your safety compromised?
- Can you smell or see smoke?
- Do you need to do anything to improve your safety?
Also, check the pedestrians or occupants of other vehicles involved in the accident for any injuries and call for emergency response. These are all things you need to focus on. Your priority should be keeping yourself and your passengers safe.
3. Call the Police
A police report can help the insurance company find the truth about the accident regardless of its severity. When they arrive, only talk about the facts of the case.
Even if you are liable for the accident, having an accurate police report can help you reduce the amount of liability you assume. They can also control oncoming traffic to prevent further accidents.
4. Visit a Doctor
If you have any signs of injury, visit an urgent care clinic or your primary care doctor. They will ask for the auto insurance details since the injuries are part of the car insurance claim.
5. Contact Your Car Insurance Company
Failing to notify your auto insurance provider leaves you unprotected from damages. Most insurance companies have a toll-free number or a mobile application where you can file a claim. An adjuster will get in touch and request to see the car and assess the damages.
If the insurance company tries to play hardball, contact a Tucson Car Accident Attorney to help you out. They are experienced and knowledgeable in car accident claims and can help you get the compensation you need for the damages and injuries.