6 Steps You Should Immediately Take When You Get into an Accident

(Photo Credit: TODAY)

Car accidents are terrible. There's no winning- if you're hurt, then you're hurt. Even if you made your way out of it unscathed, forking out money hurts just as much.

If you ever do get involved in an accident, here's what you should do right after!

1. Stop Your Vehicle

The first thing to do is to stop your vehicle. Sure, you could boast killer Forza skills, but in real accidents, you're a flailing mess in a rolling metal cage hurtling down the road.

Come to a stop, switch on the hazard lights, and make sure you're in the right condition to continue. When it's safe to exit your vehicle, make sure the other party is alright too. Take photos and videos of the damages done to both parties' vehicles before the vehicles are moved.

This will come in handy all the way through.

2. Call for Medical Assistance

If anyone is injured, call for both the ambulance and the police. It's important not to move the person unless they allow it. Who knows, that snap you heard while lifting up their arms was a fracture turned snap. Wait for trained personnel to come and help. In the meanwhile, give space and room to breathe.

3. Warn other motorists

In the event of death or severe injury, vehicles and other articles of the accident shouldn't be moved unless instructed by the authorities. Instead, use breakdown signs, reflectors or any other appropriate devices to help redirect and warn others of the accident scene.

4. Move vehicles to a safe location

If there's no death, vehicles can be moved to the side of the road to prevent road blockage and obstructions that could cause further accidents. Remember to take photos and material for evidence before you move the vehicles! You could just mess up an insurance claim.

(Photo Credit: Wise Geek)

5. Exchange of Personal Particulars

Once everyone has calmed down, no one's shouting and it's time to be civil, you should exchange personal particulars.

Key things you should take down are:

• NAME
• NRIC
• CONTACT NUMBER
• ADDRESS
• CARPLATE NUMBER (take a picture if necessary)
• NAME OF INSURANCE

Besides that, you should get the date, time and location of the accident. Remember to save any car camera evidence, and note down the names and numbers of eye-witnesses that can accurately describe what happened leading to the accident.

6. Official Report

By law, you're required to make a police report within 24 hours of the accident if any of the following were involved:

• Death
• Injury
• Pedestrian
• Cyclist
• Government/Government property
• Foreign Vehicles

It's important that you also make an official report to your motor insurance company. They'll advise you step-by-step on what to do next, regardless of severity.

Remember, being civil pays off more than venting the adrenaline. Don't attempt a hit-and-run, fight, or discuss liabilities straight away.

We get it, car accidents are terrible, but following these steps can and will help better the situation. Stay safe and drive smart!

Read more: Motorist Unveils Road Assist, A Smarter Way to Get Help on the Road

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