We all have at least an idea on proper post-accident protocol, from alerting the authorities to swapping insurance information if the crash involved another vehicle. But, car accidents can often throw our calm, rational demeanors out the window, at a time when the health and safety of ourselves and others is at the largest risk.
To help our Brockton, Randolph, and Stoughton area drivers know what to do in the aftermath of an accident, we decided to explore what not to do.
Here are the four worst things you can do after a car accident.
1. Drive Away
Car accidents are traumatic, stressful, and scary. They certainly incite our “fight or flight” instincts, but one of the worst things you can do is flee from the scene of an accident that you’ve been directly involved in. There are a multitude of reasons why not to do this.
For one, it’s illegal. In many states, doing so is considered a “hit and run,” meaning you’ll be criminally charged for driving away. In addition, you and your passengers or the driver and passengers in the other vehicle may be seriously hurt. Not stopping to go through your checklist of responsible post-accident items is irrational, selfish, and destructive. Don’t do it!
2. Not Call the Authorities
Even minor accidents can do major damage to passengers onboard. If someone involved is unresponsive or hurt, you need to call 911 to get them the medical attention they need immediately.
Calling 911 is the most direct way to get in touch with the authorities. In the case of a severe accident in which no one appears to be hurt, it’s safer to call than to leave things up to chance. Additionally, anything more than a fender bender should be reported to the police, who can quickly come out to the scene to facilitate the next steps.
3. Stay in the Middle of the Road
Depending on where the accident occurred, staying right where you are can be an even bigger danger to you and other cars passing through. If you aren’t hurt, move your vehicle to the shoulder of the road or as far as you can out of the flow of traffic.
If you don’t feel safe operating your vehicle, make sure that others on the road know to go around your car. Putting on your hazard flashers and lighting emergency flares to mark the accident area will alert other drivers to take caution as they pass by, especially if it’s dark outside.
4. Call Just Anybody for a Tow
Once you’ve taken care of the immediate items that require your attention (ensured that everyone’s okay, traded insurance information with the other driver, and reported the accident), it’s imperative you get your car safely off the scene and the repair process underway.
Drivers in Brockton, Randolph, and Stoughton can contact Collision 24, the region’s premier, full-service repair facility for trusted 24-hour towing, to take you either back to your home or straight to our collision repair facility in Brockton.
Collision 24 has the equipment and expertise required to get to your South Shore location, lift, and securely fasten your vehicle to our tow truck beds, and get you and your car back to safety, even if your vehicle can’t start.
We can work side by side with your insurance company and perform repairs in-house using state-of-the art equipment. For immediate Collision 24 tow assistance, call 508-586-2010. To schedule an appointment online for an appraisal, visit this page.