What to do in a car accident
Car accidents happen and getting into one can be terrifying. Here are some helpful tips on what you can do if you're in a car accident.
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Dealing with a car accident can be stressful and overwhelming, but being prepared and knowing what to do can make a big difference. Here are some helpful tips to follow if you find yourself in a car accident.
Prevention is key
While some accidents may be unavoidable, safe driving habits will help reduce your risk of being in one. Stay alert, keep a safe distance from other vehicles, and avoid distractions like using your phone while driving.
Check yourself first
If you are in an accident, prioritise your safety. Before getting out of your car, check yourself over for any injuries. If you're seriously injured, stay in your car and wait for emergency services to arrive, limiting any movement.
Help others
Once you know you're okay, check on the occupants of the other vehicle(s). If anyone is injured, avoid moving them and immediately call an ambulance on 911 for medical assistance.
Move to a safe location
If it's safe to do so and your car can still be driven, move it to the side of the road away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of the accident and reduce the risk of further collisions.
Gather information
Exchange important information with the other driver(s) involved, including names, contact details, insurance details, and vehicle license plate numbers.
Take photos of the accident site, including damage to the vehicles involved, road conditions, and traffic signs. These photos will be valuable when reporting the accident to the police and filing your insurance claim.
Lastly, if there are any, gather witnesses for further information as this could help fast track your insurance claim process.
Report it to the police
Any accident should be reported to the police within 24 hours. You can contact the police by calling them on 911 or going to the nearest police station. They will document the incident, and this will be important when you file an insurance claim.
Call the towing company
If your vehicle is not drivable, contact a towing service to move it to a safe location or repairer. Your insurance company may have towing included in your policy or it might be added in your roadside assistance cover, so it's worth checking!
Take care of yourself
Being in an accident can be a shock, so make sure you look after yourself after the fact. Even if you feel okay to begin with, it's important to seek medical attention if you have any delayed pain or symptoms after the accident.
Consider asking someone you know to help you get home and spend time supporting you afterwards.
Make an insurance claim
It's important to start the claim process as soon as possible. Provide your insurance provider with accurate information about the accident and be honest and thorough.
If you're a customer of Tower, you can make a claim online. Once a claims manager has been assigned, they'll share their contact details with you, and you can contact them directly for an update at any time.
Don't have insurance?
If you're not already insured, consider buying car insurance to cover yourself in case of future accidents. At Tower we offer three cover options to choose from to meet your needs and budget. Get a quote online today!
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