It pays to be prepared for an accident, but it’s especially crucial if you’re driving in the evening. The darkness can make it difficult to see obstacles and hazards on the road.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of tips to help you stay safe if you have an accident in the evening. Follow these tips, and you’ll be able to handle any situation that comes your way.
1. Stay Calm
Staying calm is probably the last thing on your mind when you meet an accident, but it is the most crucial step. If you panic, it can make things worse and even dangerous.
Take deep breaths to calm yourself down and figure out what’s happening around you. This will help your mind stay clear to focus on the next steps. Solve any problems calmly by thinking logically instead of reacting emotionally.
Consider these calming tips when you’re in this situation:
- Take a few deep breaths.
- Remind yourself that you’re safe and everything is under control
- Say out loud what you’re doing to help keep yourself calm.
- Do anything that helps you stay calm.
If one or more people are injured, try to keep them calm as well. This will make it easier for first responders to help when they arrive.
2. Assess the Situation
As you gain clarity about what happened, you can assess your situation. First, look around the car for any injuries and evaluate the damage to yourself and your vehicle. Ensure that all of you in the vehicle are okay before further assessment.
If no one needs medical attention immediately, check if anyone else is injured by other vehicles involved in the accident. If you’re not sure, you can always call for help by dialing 911 to request an ambulance.
Secondly, assess your vehicle’s damage and the location of the accident. If you’re in a dangerous situation or if anyone is injured, it’s best to wait for emergency services before moving yourself or any victims around.
3. Bring Yourself to Urgent Care
If you don’t need emergency services and the accident is not that serious, see a doctor as soon as possible. Even if you’re okay after the accident, go for medical attention to ensure no hidden injuries. The adrenaline rush from an accident can mask any pain or severe injuries in your body, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
You can seek help from a nearby 24-hour walk-in urgent care facility or clinic to check for any injuries you may have sustained during the accident. You should also see a doctor if you experience headaches, dizziness, or memory loss after an accident. These symptoms could indicate something serious and require immediate attention.
4. Do Not Exit the Vehicle Unless It’s Safe to Do So
If you’ve decided to seek medical attention, you’ll need to get out of your vehicle. However, make sure that it’s safe before exiting the car. Some accidents may cause other vehicles to crash into yours if you get out too soon.
You may also be too disoriented and nervous to pay more attention to your surroundings. In other words, getting out quickly could be worse and even life-threatening for you.
However, if you have no other option but to get out because of imminent danger or serious health concerns, follow these tips:
- Turn on hazard lights and honk to warn other drivers.
- Check for traffic around you.
- Park the car on the side of the road.
- Exit the car carefully.
5. Call Your Auto Insurance Company
Once you’re safe and have received medical attention, call your auto insurance company to notify them of the accident. It is crucial to inform them as soon as possible to get the claims process going right away.
Besides informing your insurer, here are other things that you should do:
- Don’t admit fault or blame anyone involved in the accident.
- Take pictures of the accident scene, your car, and any injuries you or others have.
- Get the contact information of other drivers and witnesses.
- Keep a record of all expenses related to the accident. This can include medical bills, repair costs, and lost wages from missed work.
The sooner you do these, the easier it is to get compensation. Your insurance company will assign a claims adjuster to help you receive coverage and compensation from your policy after an accident.
You should also contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to help you with any legal matters related to the accident. A lawyer can determine if the other party was at fault and help you receive the compensation you deserve.
An accident can be a traumatic experience, especially in the evening. However, by following these tips, you can minimize the damage and ensure your safety.
