Nobody wants to think about being involved in a car accident, especially if your kids happen to be in the car. However, it is important to be prepared and know exactly how to handle the situation. Should you ever be in a car accident, consider the following actions you should take.
Call for Help
If you are able to, immediately call 911. If you or your passengers have suffered any injuries, it is important to call for emergency medical care. This step can be overlooked, as you might think you can tend to injuries on your own or assume someone else will see the accident and dial 911. Just keep in mind that every second matters, and the quicker that professional help arrives, the better.
Even if the accident is minor, you should still call for help. There might be less severe injuries that still need to be treated. You can also be unaware at the time that you have suffered any.
Calling the police also ensures that the accident is properly documented and reported. You will need these official reports later on when dealing with insurance companies.
Check for Injuries
Once you call for help, evaluate your kids for injuries. Look for obvious indicators such as cuts, bruises, or broken bones. Analyze their behavior to make sure nothing is out of the ordinary. You should also be sure to not overlook kids who were strapped into car seats; they, too, need to be thoroughly evaluated for any potential injuries. If anyone sustained any injuries, it is important to get them checked out immediately. This is important for not only their well-being but also for insurance companies to see.
Document Damages
If you have one, use your smartphone to take pictures of the accident. If you don’t have access to a camera, write down everything about the accident as soon as you can. It is important to have this kind of documentation when you file a claim later on. This includes damaged car seatsas after a crash most manufacturers require them to be replaced.
Make sure you get pictures that show any damage on both your vehicle and other vehicles. Also take pictures of any factors that may have contributed to the accident; these could be anything from particularly rainy weather to a traffic sign partially concealed by a tree.
Exchange Phone Numbers
It is important to get the other driver’s contact information after the accident. You should also get the contact information for their insurance company and their policy number.
Inform Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company regardless of who was at fault. If you don’t report the accident within the time frame specified by the company, they might cancel your policy altogether.
Get Legal Help
There are many financial costs that can come up after an accident, some of which include: medical bills, vehicle repairs, and legal fees. Claim adjusters will try to get you to settle for the lowest amount possible. Consult professional legal help to ensure that you get the compensation that you and your family deserve.
Check for Injuries… Again
You or the children might have suffered injuries that weren’t obvious at the time of the accident. Some car accident injuries, like whiplash, don’t always present themselves immediately. Additionally, kids might not be able to adequately express the pain they feel, so make sure everyone receives a medical evaluation.
Talk to Your Kids
Let them know that their feelings surrounding the car accident are normal. Allow them to openly express themselves, and in the event of a traumatic car accident, don’t be afraid to seek professional counseling. You can also use this opportunity to teach them the importance of safe driving.
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