Had a Car Accident?

Stay Calm
When an accident occurs many people's first reaction is to shout abuse at the other driver (whether it is their fault or not). This occurs due to dose of adrenalin, which is a direct result of your body's natural response to feeling in danger. Take a moment to take a deep breath and, as cliche as it sounds, count to ten. It will help you deal with the situation more effectively and possibly respond better to abuse from the other driver. In most cases everyone will calm down in a few moments, so don't to take it personally if you find yourself being abused. Remember that no one meant for this to happen. 

Get details
Once the initial shock is over there is some information that is worthwhile collecting at the time of the accident.

• Note the time and date and location of the accident
• Details of the vehicles involved, make, model, registration number, colour
• Exchange details of names, addresses, telephone numbers of the driver, passengers involved, pedestrians and and witnesses with other drivers
• Insurance provider of other drivers, or employer details if driver is in the course of doing his/her job.
• If the police arrive get the name and badge number of any attending officer
• If you have a camera, take photos of the accident scene.

Other information required
Other important notes to make, either at the time of the accident or shortly after (if you are in too much shock or injured, you can still go back to the accident scene after the event).

• Description of what happened from your perspective, note whether drivers where using headlights or indicators.
• Estimated speed of all vehicles
• Note the weather conditions and road conditions, e.g. raining and wet road
• Other possible contributing factors, e.g. truck parked on side of road was blocking view on intersection
• Draw a sketch of the accident

All of the above information will assist when making your insurance claim and could make all the difference if the matter is taken to court.

See a doctor
Even if you feel okay it is important to get checked out by a professional. Your neck may feel like it has been stretched and feel difficult to hold up, this is called whiplash and is caused by the sudden movement of your head being thrust back and forward or left and right. You need to get a neck brace to offer your neck support and prevent further damage. If left unattended the following day expect to be in agony as your neck muscles start to stiffen up.