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What to do After a Crash

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3K views 0 replies 1 participant last post by  AutoGuide.com 
#1 ·

Like an addendum to Murphy’s Law, the unforeseen tends to happen when you least expect it; misfortune is like a lot like a combination ninja/cat burglar/stealth bomber. Glance away for a split second and BAM, something bad happens.

Whether your dog sneaks a slice of pizza off your dinner plate or a friend’s printer stops working for no apparent reason right after installing fresh ink cartridges, misfortune is a fact of life. Likewise, automobile crashes can occur like a bolt out of the blue. One instant you’re zinging along and the next a driver behind you is trying to get a closer look at what you’ve got in the trunk by using their crossover as a battering ram. Let’s say you’ve just been involved in an accident, here are some helpful tips from the folks at AAA.

1. Preparedness

One thing that will make dealing with a crash much easier is being prepared. No, you don’t have to have a FEMA’s worth of supplies and emergency equipment on hand, but a few basics will help immeasurably. Keep a pen and some paper handy for jotting important information down. A smartphone, digital or disposable camera is wise as well for documenting the scene. It also pays to have your insurance and registration information handy and organized. You don’t want to be digging through the glove box for two hours to find this stuff.

2. Check for injuries

OK, preparedness is all well and good before a crash occurs, but after the fact is when things really matter. And provided you’re able to, the very first thing you should following an impact is check to see if anyone is injured. Hopefully everyone involved is alright but if they’re not call 9-1-1 and get some medical professionals on the scene as soon as possible. Also, it might be a good idea to keep a first-aid kit in your vehicle, so add that to the items listed in point No. 1.

3. Stay safe

If nobody’s injured and the vehicles involved are drivable do your best to get them out of the way by pulling off to the side of the road or into a nearby parking lot if possible. This helps prevent unnecessary traffic snarls and it keeps you safer; you really shouldn’t be standing in the middle of a highway during rush hour. And even though they may be smashed like a snow globe dropped from a fourth-story window, turn your hazard lights on to help warn other motorists. Signal flares aren’t a bad idea, either, especially if your ride is immobilized.
To read all of this story, What to do After a Crash and for more helpful hints and suggestions please visit AutoGuide.com.
 
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