No one wants to be in a vehicle crash, but it happens. The National Highway Traffic Safety Association reports that fatal crashes rose by 6.8% from 2019 to 2020. The NHTSA describes fatal crashes as a “National Crisis.”
If you find yourself in a crash, here are important tips to follow.
https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/nhtsa-releases-2020-traffic-crash-data
First – 911
Get help, call 911 if you can. Have someone else call if possible. Make sure everyone is safe and that both you and your vehicles are in a safe location. Many crashes occur as other drivers rubber neck going by. If possible, move your vehicles out of the way and out of the flow of traffic.
Second – Police Report
Call the police and do a report. If you don’t have a police report proving the details of what happened becomes complicated. Once police show up, be mindful of what you tell them. Give them the basic facts and then let them ask for the additional information they need. Keep in mind, you’ve just been in a traumatic event and may not be thinking clearly. What you say to a police office will go into a report and be set in stone.
Third – Medical Care
Get medical attention. It is common for clients to refuse medical treatment at the scene, just to figure out later they are injured. At the scene the adrenaline will be pumping. You may not realize how badly hurt you are. If there is any chance you are injured accept the ambulance transport at the scene and let the medical professionals do their job.
Fourth – Pictures
Take pictures. Document the scene. If you are unable to take pictures, have a family member help. You want to take pictures of your vehicle’s damage and the other vehicles involved. Pictures of the location where the crash occurred, stop lights, yield signs, even speed limit signs are all helpful.
Finally
From here you will start the long process of recovering and dealing with insurance companies. This is where the trained professionals at Martz and Lucas can help. Reach out to us through our website or give us a call.