While no one wants to experience a car crash, it is something that happens often, so it is nice to know exactly what one should do. People do not tend to have their wits about them at such a time, and with many things to deal with at the same time, it is easy to get confused. Here are some tips to help a person who has been involved in a traffic collision.
Stay calm
Whatever the situation, panic will not help, so stay calm and focus on priorities. If there are any injuries, make sure the ambulance is on its way and the injured person(s) is being attended to. If one is very lucky, there will be a car repair workshop nearby, and if one needs smash repairs in Osborne Park, or anywhere else for that matter, there are reputable repair companies online that can attend to the damaged car.
Call the police
The police should be informed, although they usually arrive at the scene anyway, as others may have contacted them. Some might think that with a minor collision, it isn’t necessary to call the police, yet it is a good idea for several reasons. What if a driver accepts responsibility, gives their details and leaves, then the other person realises that the information was not correct, or perhaps the driver’s insurance had lapsed. There may be other reasons, a driver could be intoxicated, or acting suspiciously, so in the case of an accident, one should always inform the authorities.
Check the vehicles
If any vehicles are in a dangerous position, or are causing an obstruction, do what is possible to rectify the situation, without putting oneself at risk. Traffic cones should be put around any vehicles, and their hazard warning lights should be switched on.
Notify the insurance company
This should be done as soon as possible, irrespective of who caused the accident. Talk to the other drivers, and if someone accepts responsibility, the whole process is much simpler. That person’s insurance rep will arrive shortly, and they will take all the drivers’ details and arrange for the vehicles to be repaired. In the event that no one is prepared to admit liability, it is best to say nothing, even if one thinks one is at fault. The insurance companies will decide who is at fault, based on the available evidence.
Take pictures of the scene
Fortunately, in this day and age, everyone carries a smartphone, so one can put it to good use in this instance by taking shots of all the vehicles, as well as the scene of the accident. This might turn out to be valuable evidence in the event of a dispute.
Locate a car repair workshop
The car will need to be fixed, and if one happens to know of a reliable smash repairs company in the area, give them a call. Dealing with a local repair shop is always the better option, and they will send a vehicle to recover the damaged car and begin the repair process.
Of course, nobody wants to be involved in a car accident, and hopefully it won’t happen, but in the event it does, follow these guidelines and it will be less stressful.