BANG! I'm in an Car Accident, Now What?

When you drive, the goal is always to get somewhere in particular. But that’s not always what happens. One minute you’re moving along, experiencing an ordinary day, and the next — BANG! You hit something, or something hits you. Either way, your day is now anything but ordinary.

I haven’t been in a car accident in many years, and some people go their whole lives without experiencing one, which is great. But, according to a report by insurance company Essurance, more than three-quarters (77%) of all motorists in the US have been in at least one car accident at some point in their lives. And sometimes even the most careful and alert driver can end up in a situation they can’t control and hit, or be hit, by another vehicle.

Being involved in an auto accident is shocking and stressful but with the right preparation you can make dealing with it considerably easier. Even a minor accident can feel like an emergency when it happens, and sudden, unexpected events can throw anyone off their game. 

There are two phrases to remember when something unexpected happens and these are the first things to do if you are ever in an accident.

1. Don’t Panic and Stay Calm (I cannot state this strongly enough so please read it again for emphasis]. Remind yourself that this is something you CAN control, and it affects your ability to make the best decisions.

2. Check yourself for obvious or limiting injuries. Adrenaline and shock can make it hard to recognize a fresh injury, and a quick self-check can avoid making a bad situation even worse.
If you are seriously hurt, calm your mind, and then call for help. If you have your phone, call an ambulance (911 in the US and Canada). If you can’t use your phone, tell anyone else near you (inside or outside the vehicle) to call for help, and let them know you are injured. 

Let’s assume you are not injured, maybe just a bit shook up. Go back to step 1 (I’ll bet you’re seeing a pattern here 😊) then assess and take action.

Experts differ on the order in which to do the next two steps, so use your best judgment based on your situation. Keeping an awareness of your surroundings and immediate risks is most important (so don't just get out of your car, check for traffic moving around the accident first).

3. Check if anyone else is injured in the accident (at least in your own vehicle).

4. If any of the vehicles involved are operable, move them out of harm’s way. This is super important for everyone’s safety, because a stationary vehicle on the road is at a heightened risk of being hit by other vehicles, leading to additional injuries and more damage. This is especially critical in slippery conditions or when visibility is compromised. Secondarily, it’s also a courtesy to other drivers to avoid blocking traffic lanes. While people are going to rubberneck and slow traffic anyhow, safety is the main concern.

If you can’t move the vehicles, call the police (also 911 in the US and Canada). The dispatcher will ask you for the road you’re on and a way to tell where you are (street address, nearest cross street, highway mile marker numbers, etc.) The Maps app on your phone can get your location and the coordinates (latitude and longitude) if you hold down the location marker to drop a pin and then scroll down. 

Next, hopefully you have road flares, reflective triangles, cones or some other way to alert traffic. Put these out between the affected vehicles and oncoming traffic, allowing enough distance for drivers seeing them to take action. Be VERY careful while doing this. If possible, have someone watch and direct traffic while you or another person places the signals.

Once you and others involved are out of immediate danger, take a deep breath and go through this list:

1. Be polite with others involved in the accident and don’t try to determine who is at fault.

2. Call the police if you haven’t already done so.
   While for a minor accident this can be optional, a police report can be very helpful if recollections and intentions differ later on. If the accident is bad enough that you or the other driver may involve insurance companies, you definitely want to get the police.
   When you call know the road you’re on and a way to tell where you are (street address, nearest cross street, or highway mile marker numbers).

3. Without compromising safety, take pictures of all affected vehicles and road conditions, capturing multiple angles of any damage.

4. Exchange information with the parties involved. You can take pictures of relevant documents or note the following things in a mobile device app or using a pen and paper:

1. Driver (and passenger) names and contact information

2. Driver's license numbers (if the others will share them)

3. Insurance information: company and policy number.

4. License plate numbers

5. Vehicle makes, models, and descriptions (color, style)

6. Accident location, with road name and address or cross street or mile marker number

7. Police officers’ name and badge number (if police come to the scene)

8. Ask an attending officer how to get a copy of the police report 

9. Write down or make a voice recording of how things occurred. This is for your own reference, and you don’t need to share it at the scene.

5. DO NOT sign anything unless it comes from the police or your insurance company.

6. You may want to contact your insurance company while still at the scene. Some companies have dedicated accident assistants who can provide helpful advice.

7. If you can’t drive your vehicle, plan how you will get it away from the scene. If you’re an AAA member or have roadside assistance through your insurance, vehicle manufacturer or another plan, now is time to use it. Police in many jurisdictions won’t recommend a tow service, but it can be worth asking — or do an online search for an established provider nearby with solid reviews. If you are on a highway or toll road there may be a specific authorized tower.

8. Pay attention to how you feel for the next few days. While you may feel fine right after the accident, some injuries do not present symptoms immediately. Be especially aware of your spine and head and recognize the signs of whiplash or a concussion, both of which can include headaches, dizziness and blurred vision. If you start to feel pain or any unusual symptoms, see your doctor. 

And while there is no way to anticipate every possible circumstance, what’s important when an accident happens is to be cautious, remain calm and polite, and document everything. If first responders arrive, stay clear and let them do their job.

I hope you never get in an accident but if you do, this list can help you get through it as painlessly as possible and quickly resume your regular life.

The best defense against the unexpected is preparation. Equip your vehicle for safety using seasonally appropriate tires, use The ADDVISOR for Two-Direction Sun Protection™ against road glare, and bookmark this list or download it as a PDF to the books app on your phone. For more advice on roadside safety, be sure to check out my 11 Car Safety Hacks. [add link] Enjoy safer driving!

 

SmartAdditions Inc. was founded in 2022, with a mission to provide high-quality automotive accessories that improve safety, comfort and convenience while driving. Our flagship product The ADDVISOR is the Original Independent Sun Visor offering Two-Direction Sun Protection™ that fits nearly all cars, trucks and SUVs. Our innovative LOUNGE-IT car phone holder is a better way to secure your phone while driving. SmartAdditions is an owner-operated small business, created by Danny and Greg, and proudly located in the Hudson Valley Region of New York state.