Being in a traffic accident is a scary thought, and while actual fatalities are rare, the chance of a serious accident is higher than you think.
This doesn’t mean you should fear driving, of course, but it’s key to be aware of what to do in the event you’re involved in a collision. In this short article, you’ll learn about a few important elements for keeping you and your family safe.
1. The Importance of Ensuring Immediate Safety
The first few moments of an accident are the most important. Stop the vehicle immediately (but don’t slam the brakes on). Once you’ve stopped, put on your hazard lights, and call the emergency services.
Minor collisions still require you to have the medical once-over, so don’t skip this part.
Once the police and ambulance service arrive, you’ll be asked to give your name and address, and the licence plates of any vehicles involved will be taken down.
2. Why You Should Keep a Record
If you’re otherwise well and have not sustained any serious injuries, you should always do your best to document as much of the scene as possible.
Take pictures of the accident from all angles, note down vehicle registration and models, and record the time of day. It’s also a good idea to write a brief paragraph about what happened in the notes app on your phone – get it down while it’s fresh in your memory.
All of this will help you when it comes to dealing with the insurance companies.
3. How to Negotiate with Insurers
You should call your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. It’s best to do it once you’ve recovered and had a good night’s sleep following the event.
After informing them about the accident, they’ll ask you for the details. It’s important to be as accurate as possible; your detailed notes from the point before will help you with this.
Once you’ve provided them with all the necessary information, it’s your turn to ask questions. Ask about what costs are covered by your policy, and make a log of everything discussed.
4. When You Need to Get a Solicitor
Depending on the nature of the accident, you may also need to get in contact with a solicitor. Road traffic accident claims aren’t always straightforward, and if there’s a dispute, you’ll need someone with expert legal knowledge to help you get through it. They can help with a wide range of issues, from taking over handling discussions with your insurer to collating evidence to support you.
You’ll want to look for a solicitor who operates on a no-win, no-fee basis, which means that you don’t pay anything unless you win the case.
Wrapping Up
No one ever wants to face being involved in a car accident, and thankfully, there’s a high likelihood you won’t. It’s always important to be prepared for the worst-case scenario, though, so hopefully, you now feel a little clearer on how to deal with this scary but manageable situation.