Many people fear the consequences of a car accident, and some people are even put off driving for life because they are afraid of coming to harm on the roads. If you own a car, or even get in one, there is always the risk that you will be in a car accident that could leave you with injuries—or which could affect the people in another vehicle.
To ensure that you are prepared and that you know what to do if you are involved in a car accident, here is a short guide.
Call the Emergency Responders
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The first step that you should take is to call emergency responders, such as the police and ambulance services. You can do this by calling 911. By contacting them, you will be ensuring that everyone gets the medical attention that they need and that the area can be made safe for other drivers.
While you are doing this, you should check the health and injuries of the people around you and take in as many useful details as possible—especially in terms of your location. This can help the emergency services to respond to your call in an effective manner.
If you are not injured, you might also try to alert other drivers to the hazard, such as by using a makeshift cordon with whatever you have in the trunk of your car.
Speak to Your Insurers
If you are worried about the financial implications of your collision (both in terms of vehicle damage and medical bills), you should try to speak to your insurance company as soon as possible. You might also want to take photographs of the site so that you are able to prove your claim.
Not only will the details be fresh in your mind, but this can help to put your mind at rest and you can check whether you are completely covered for the accident in question. You will also be able to check whether you are liable for the damage that has been sustained by the other vehicle.
You should always get medical attention, regardless of whether you have yet contacted your insurance company, though, as your health is of vital importance.
Research DUI Laws
If you were drunk or had been drinking before the accident, it is also important that you research the DUI laws in the state in which you live and were driving, as the laws change depending on which state you are in. For instance, if you live in North Carolina, you can look up the current NC DUI law online; this can help you to know where you stand, and help you to relax if you are on the right side of the law.
If you think that you fall foul of these, and this could be what caused the crash, you should contact an attorney immediately. They may be able to help you stand up in court and get the representation that you need.
Look After Yourself
Whatever you do, though, you need to look after yourself in the aftermath of the crash—especially if you are injured or your mental health has been affected. You should take the time to rest and recuperate (even staying away from work if you need to), and visit a doctor or therapist if you are struggling with depression, anxiety, or PTSD after the accident.
