At one point or another, we’re all bound to be involved in some type of car accident. If you’re lucky and no one is injured in the accident, your biggest worry will probably be, “What do I do next?”
Typically, you don’t know if you’re prepared for a car crash until after it happens. With this post, we hope to help you feel prepared for anything out on the road. Hopefully, this knowledge will afford you some peace of mind during an undoubtedly hectic time.
Precautions
There are a number of items you can keep in your car daily that will come in handy should something happen out on the road. The first is your cell phone. Most people carry this anyway, but you should always try to charge it before taking a car ride. Should you need help, the cell phone will be invaluable.
Next, be sure to stow a pen and some paper into a compartment. This will make it easier to record information immediately following an accident. Other helpful items include a list of contacts and medical allergies in case you were injured, and traffic cones or road flares.
Post-Accident Safety
Although you’re bound to feel shocked immediately after a collision, it’s important to think clearly to keep yourself and passengers safe. If the accident was serious, try to remain in the vehicle wearing a seat belt until help arrives. If you’re involved in a minor fender bender, you as well as any other involved vehicles should attempt to pull off of the main road into a safe area before getting out of the car.
Information Exchange
You need to make sure you get the proper information from the other driver, especially if you live in an area like Philadelphia where police may not always respond to accidents. Be sure to write down the following info from the other driver:
- Name
- Address
- Phone Number
- License Plate Number
- Insurance Company
- Insured Name (if different from driver)
- Policy Number
You should also take note of the make and model of the other vehicle, as well as the location of the accident. Although emotions are bound to be flying after a collision, remember how important it is not to mention fault to the other driver or police. Do your best to be polite and discuss only the necessary information.
Don’t forget to call Direct Paint & Collision if you need a tow or auto body repair!