A car accident can be scary, but it’s important to keep your wits about you to make sure that everyone involved gets to safety as quickly as possible and with the least amount of hassle or damage. If you’re ever in an accident, here are 5 things you should do right away in order to make sure you get the most out of your situation.
1) Stay calm
If you are involved in an accident, the first thing that you should do is stay calm. By staying calm, you will be able to assess your surroundings and make quick decisions.
2) Call for help when involved in South Africa
If you are involved in an accident, the first thing to do is call for help by dialling 999 or 112. Remember that your safety is the most important thing, so if you are hurt, stay still and calm until emergency services arrive. If possible, try to warn oncoming traffic with emergency flares or hazard lights. Stay away from any fuel spillages and make sure no one leaves the scene of the accident without telling the police. Once the police have arrived, give them as much information about yourself and other parties involved such as names, addresses, contact numbers etc. Finally, exchange relevant insurance details with any person you may have been in an accident with; this will be needed if legal proceedings occur later on down the line.
3) Move your vehicle out of traffic
If you are involved in a car accident on the side of the road, move your vehicle out of traffic if it is safe to do so. Move any injured passengers or those that need immediate medical attention into your car before moving it. Call for help by dialling 112 and wait for the authorities. Stay calm and follow instructions from emergency responders.
4) Act as a good witness
A good witness is the best person to help an injured victim and may also be able to provide information that will help the police and insurance company during an investigation.
5) Take photos of the damage to vehicles and people
The first thing you want to do if you find yourself involved in a car accident is get out of the car as soon as possible. Next, check on the other person and make sure they are safe. Make sure not to go near any hot surfaces or smoke, and stay away from dangling power lines. Once you’ve made sure that the other party is okay, call the emergency services number (dial 112) and tell them what happened.
