Hey y'all! Larry from Edmonds Autobody here. The holiday season is happy and cozy. However, it is important to make sure that you stay safe while being on the road. Over the years, we get asked this a lot: God forbid if we got into a car wreck, what are the first few things we should do?
The first three things to do when you get into a car wreck are to assess the situation, remain calm, and call for help.
Assessing the situation means evaluating the safety of the drivers and passengers of the vehicles involved, as well as the condition of the vehicles. You'll need to inspect whether any of the vehicles suffered any significant, immediate damage, and if any of the individuals were injured. If there's a load of debris, smoke, or any other visible signs of a car wreck, be sure to note it. Additionally, check if your car suffered any internal mechanical malfunctions while trying to determine whether the car is still drivable. Call the emergency services. As soon as possible, call 911 or your local emergency services—especially if you or any other individuals have been injured in the accident. Give them a clear and concise description of the accident along with a location if possible. Make sure to stay on the line and detail any symptoms that you or any other passengers are experiencing as a result of the accident.
Remaining calm throughout the situation is essential. It can be a stressful, confusing, and overwhelming situation, so the best thing you can do is remain confident and collected. Staying calm can help you think and take clear, decisive action. Additionally, getting angry will only worsen the situation for everyone involved. Stay at the scene. It is imperative that you stay at the scene of the accident and exchange information with any other party involved in the accident. Exchange insurance information, along with details such as names, phone numbers, and addresses. It is also important to take pictures of the accident scene and any vehicle damage.
Call for help as soon as possible. Let emergency responders, such as the police, ambulances, and firefighters, know that you have been involved in a car wreck and need assistance. Give them your location, the time of the accident, and the number of individuals and vehicles involved. Seek medical attention. Even if you don’t think that you are injured it is important to seek medical attention. Many injuries such as whiplash may not be immediately noticeable, so it is better to be safe than sorry. Speak to your doctor about any symptoms that you may be experiencing as a result of the accident.
These are the three immediate steps you should take once you get into a car wreck. Once the situation has been closely assessed, the necessary help is called and an initial assessment has been made, then you can begin the process of exchanging information, filing a police report, and notifying your insurance company. For further safety, take pictures of the scene of the accident before and after any debris is cleared. Make sure to get documentation from any involved parties, such as police reports, insurance cards, and hospital or medical costs to assist the post-accident process.
