Being involved in a car crash is most people’s worst nightmare. No one sets out to be involved in a car accident but sometimes they’re an unavoidable part of life. If you ever do find yourself in this situation, there are a number of things you can do to make your life easier going forward.
Check Yourself and Passengers for Injuries
This should be your first step. Take the time to gather your thoughts and make sure that you aren’t seriously injured. If you are travelling with passengers, make sure that each of them are okay and conscious. Any serious injuries will need ambulance attention so be ready to dial 999.
Get to Safety
Depending on the position of your vehicle, you may still be in direct danger post accident. If this is the case, your focus should be getting you and your passengers to a safe place and immediately calling the police for assistance. The police will be able to close the road and handle traffic.
If your vehicle can be safely moved to the side of the road, consider doing so to prevent further obstruction.
Assess the Driver of the Other Vehicle
After your safety, the driver of the other vehicle and its passengers is next. If possible, approach the vehicle and see if they are okay.
Gather Evidence
Once everyone involved is safe, it is wise to gather evidence. Do not pressure the other party to admit liability but do use a camera that you have to hand to document the scene. This evidence should be passed on to your insurance company to assist them with your claim.
Here you’re trying to capture each vehicle’s final position to establish the cause of the accident.
Exchange Information
You will need to gather the other drivers’ details. Their name, address, telephone number as well as the details of their vehicle and insurance company are important.
Vehicle Recovery
If no one is injury and the road isn’t blocked, it isn’t compulsory to call the emergency services. Instead you should call your insurance company to notify them of the accident and ask whether they would like the vehicle recovered to a specific location. They may send someone to recover the vehicle for you or they may expect you to have it recovered yourself.
The Claim Process
Once your insurance company have been notified of your claim, they may require you to submit further evidence and information as needed. Accident claims can be a lengthy process but in the meantime, you may be provided with a courtesy car for use whilst yours is repaired.
Some injuries aren’t always immediately apparent. If you later develop an injury or experience pain due to the accident, make sure you seek medical treatment. At this point you should also consider seeking compensation for your injuries. If in the North-East region, get in touch with one of several road traffic accident solicitors in Yorkshire. They will be able to pursue a claim for compensation on your behalf.
Most importantly, remain positive as being involved in a road traffic accident can happen to anyone.
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