Learning About Legal JargonLearning About Legal Jargon

The moments directly following an accident are stressful, regardless if you've been involved in a small fender-bender or a major collision. Understanding what to do in the minutes and days after you've crashed can lead to better outcomes and faster recovery. This handy step-by-step guide will help you to understand better how to stay calm and focused, from assessing your injuries to handling insurance claims. For best results, print it out and keep a copy in your dash in preparation.

Step One - Assess Your Surroundings

Your priority should be to assess the safety of yourself and any other passengers within the vehicle. Check for downed power lines, immediate dangers, and the medical status of your passengers. Remember that minor issues like broken glass and/or debris can also be dangerous, too. Above all else, focus on staying calm--take deep breaths and remember that calm action will help you to assess help more quickly.

Step Two - Move to a Safe Location 

Moving to a safe location is recommended after most accidents, with the exception of accidents where neck and spinal injuries are suspected. You must use extreme caution if any passenger complains of pain or numbness.

Warning: Overall, the propensity for neck and back injuries can mean that moving injured parties may introduce further injury. Use your best judgement here--if you must move someone who may have neck or back injuries, try to stabilize the neck with a towel, small blanket, or another object. First aid instructions can be found here.

If your vehicle is still operational, it is safer to move it with passengers inside it than it is to remove people individually. This will afford you a bit of protection in the event of additional crash. 

Step Three - Contact 911

Once you have ascertained whether your immediate safety is covered, it's time to contact 911. In most areas, this will dispatch police, fire, and ambulance services. Depending on where you are in the country you can expect to wait between two minutes and 15 minutes for services to arrive. Use your mobile telephone whenever possible as this will enable you to gain valuable advice until help arrives.

Tip: In Canada, any mobile phone that holds a charge can dial 911; this is true even if it isn't activated. Having a charged cell phone in your dash may save your life.

If you do not have a mobile device, you can also attempt to flag down a vehicle on the road. It is important to do so safely so as to avoid additional accidents.

Tip 2: Stay off of the road itself when flagging a vehicle. You can attract attention with road flares, large white or brightly colored fabric, or with the help of four-way flashers. Do not reach out into traffic to physically flag a vehicle down.

Step Four - Exchange Information

If a serious accident has occurred, police will help you to handle the exchange of information at the scene. Otherwise, it is up to you to ensure that you have the right insurance information. Take down all of the following, even if it doesn't seem particularly relevant:

• The names and contact info for all involved parties, including passengers or bystanders
• The names of any first responders or officers attending the scene
• The make, model, and license plate of each vehicle involved
• The insurance information for each vehicle involved

When it is possible to do so safely, take photos of any damage. Police will also do this, but it doesn't hurt to have your photos recorded. 

Tip: Do not allow anyone to convince you that it's better to simply drive away without exchanging information. Not only is it illegal to leave the scene of an accident in most Canadian jurisdictions, it can leave you in the lurch later on should you need to seek litigation.

Step Five - Filing a Claim

Once you are cleared, or a police officer has indicated that you can leave, you may start an insurance claim for any damages. Contact the toll-free number on your insurance card to start this process.

Tip: It is highly recommended that you contact a lawyer to help guide you through the claimant process, regardless of your insurance provider. Insurance law can be complicated and confusing for the average individual, and having a lawyer on your side can help to streamline the process. 

When accidents occur, it's important that you know how to act quickly but calmly to handle the situation. Having this checklist on hand is a great way to remind yourself that help is available when a crisis occurs. If you've been in an accident and need assistance with a claim, contact a lawyer or firm such as Yearwood & Company for a consultation. A lawyer can walk you through your options and advise you best about what actions are available to you.