Things to do When Involved in an Accident
It is common to be surprised by an unexpected event, but there is a need to be decisive and take strong actions to best help the victims of the incident. You could be involved directly or indirectly in the situation, but it is desirable that you take the following few steps which are the most rational things to do in such a situation.
Stop
Assist
To assist the victims of a road emergency, the following things should be done.
- Notify the police if the accident involves death or injury. Also, call the police if any vehicle is damaged to the extent that it requires towing.
- If the drivers of the cars are hurt and are not in a position to notify the police, then others involved in the accident must call for help.
- Switch off the ignition of crashed vehicle to reduce chances of fire.
Exchange Information
When you are involved in an accident and a trained first aid officer or a healthcare professional arrives at the scene, give them all the information that you know about the incident and the casualty’s condition. Exchange the names and addresses of all people involved in or related to the accident. If the accident involves a parked car, try to find the owner of the car. If you cannot leave a note in a place where it can be seen, then notify the police. The note should contain:
- Your name and address
- Your driver’s license number
- Date and time of the accident
- Your insurance company’s name and your policy number
Post Crash Assistance
Post-crash assistance is the help that is offered by you after the accident. After being involved in an accident, it is a crime not to assist and exchange information in such a situation in countries like UK, Australia, and Japan. In India too, stricter laws on this matter would soon be placed. Following is what you should do as a part of that assistance.
- Help anyone who has been injured.
- Protect the area to make sure that another crash does not occur.
- Provide first aid before emergency vehicles arrive.