Source: Unsplash
You’ve just been in an accident. What do you do? We’re here to help you understand the do’s and don’ts of vehicle accidents.
Do:
- Call 911 if any of the parties involved appear to be injured or incapacitated and/or there is a question as to the legality of the situation (like if one vehicle ran a red light).
- Assess the damages. Check for anyone who might be injured and make sure no one is trapped or can’t exit their vehicle.
- Exchange information with the other drivers involved. This includes names, addresses, phone numbers, driver's license numbers, insurance carriers, and policy numbers as well as license plate numbers, makes/models/years of the vehicles, and any other drivers in the accident.
- Make note of what happened right before, during, and after the accident. Details like time of day, weather conditions, traffic, road conditions are all important to recollecting events. If you have a recording device (like a dash camera), make sure to leave it on so it can be used as evidence.
- If no police arrive, call the authorities and report it. This includes reporting the accident to the highway patrol, local police, or even a 911 dispatcher over the phone (if you can’t safely leave your vehicle). Always file an official accident report if possible.
Don't:
- Don't admit guilt. The other parties involved may want you to admit that it was your fault and that is not something you should do until all the facts are presented.
- Don't leave the scene of the accident. This is illegal unless there are clear wounds or injuries or excessive property damage (like a vehicle fire). You'll also be harming the people involved since you are responsible for their well-being. If you have to leave the scene, call law enforcement immediately so they know what happened.
- Don't panic. Stay calm even if you feel like it’s all your fault or if you were injured. Panicking can make an already scary situation worse and will not help anyone in the long run. Be sure to take care of yourself and other victims first. Make sure that the airbags have not been deployed and that you are safe from fire or toxic fumes by rolling down your windows if possible, opening the doors (if they won't open easily), and taking off your seatbelt.
If someone is injured, call 911 for help; otherwise, wait until all drivers are able to leave their vehicles before calling for an ambulance. Be aware of any injuries you might have sustained during the crash; it's important to treat them as soon as possible so that they don't become worse or infected later on. Finally, document what happened by writing down notes and taking pictures.
North Carolina Mobile Auto Service
An accident can be a life-changing moment. Have peace of mind knowing that Carolina On Site can come to you and take a look at your vehicle if you are in the Winston-Salem area or near Lexington, High Point, or Greensboro, NC. Call us for on site fleet services if you find yourself on the side of the road.