A motor vehicle accident can be horrifying. However, accidents on the road are prevalent. Most motor vehicle drivers have been involved in an accident in their life. However, an accident can happen anytime or anywhere; it’s always safe to have a plan. Below are some easy ways you can protect yourself in a motor vehicle accident.
Planning Ahead
An action plan should be in place even before an accident occurs. For example, in your motor vehicle, you should always carry a car insurance card, car registration, a driver’s license, and a safety kit with first aid supplies, flashing lights, and flares.
At the Accident Scene
Accidents cause many shocks, and you may forget what you are supposed to do or not do. If you have planned in advance, you will know what to do as the steps will still be fresh in your mind when you get involved in an accident. Stay calm and don’t run from the scene.
It would be best if you turned on your hazard lights. If you aren’t severely hurt and can move, take some time to assess how you are feeling and how the other passengers are doing. Contact the police to alert them about the accident and if there were any injuries, notify the police.
If you are not severely injured, take pictures of the scene to keep a record of your car’s position and the damage. If the accident is not fatal, you can move the vehicle to allow the flow of traffic. Also, talk to the witnesses who are assisting you and document every necessary detail to remember later.
There are also some things you must never do to protect yourself in a motor vehicle accident. They include:
- Never agree to sign another person’s papers if they are not police.
- You should never agree that the accident was your fault, even when the other driver pressures you to.
- Ensure that nobody in the accident scene takes photos of your license and registration.
- Lastly, it would help if you never fled the scene before the police clear you to leave.
You must visit a medical facility for a checkup even if you do not feel you have sustained an injury in the body. Some complications set in after 24 hours and may become fatal if not checked by a doctor.
After the Accident
After an accident, call your insurance firm to report the incident and get a police report copy. If you have suffered some injuries because of the other driver’s negligence, you deserve compensation. The compensation should cater to your medical costs and other losses you may have incurred during the accident.
Before this happens, you must file a claim against the other party. You will also have to decide if you want to pursue the accident case legally and need legal representation or if you prefer to deal with the issue yourself. A legal representation will require you to hire a new york personal injury lawyer to fight a claim.
With an accident lawyer, your lawsuit will stand a better chance of succeeding. You will also have a rough idea of how much to claim through the lawyer. The lawyer will discuss whether you qualify for emotional loss damages, economic damages, or punitive damages. Hiring a lawyer will reduce stress and help you recover from the injuries.
Although sometimes there is nothing much you can do to prevent being in an accident, especially when it’s the other driver’s fault, you should also ensure that your car is in good working order before driving. Know your brakes well and also check them frequently to see if they are working.
Obey every traffic rule to prevent getting into an accident. The laws are there for a reason. They protected your safety and other road users too. Finally, always be fully attentive while driving and avoid operating a motor vehicle when drunk or using a phone. Also Read – Why Check A Driving Record?
Final Thoughts
The most unsafe place to be is in the car, as accidents happen all the time. No matter how careful you are, some drivers may not be as cautious as you. Other factors also increase the risk of getting into an accident. Anything can happen in a split second without even a single warning. The damages to your car or personal health may also be devastating. However, although some accidents cannot be avoided, it is essential to protect yourself and your passengers from an injury.