Motorists are being urged to take expert advice to reduce stress and anxiety when involved in a car crash.
The car leasing experts at LeaseCar.uk have advised motorists to follow some simple steps in order to remain calm after a car incident.
On the surface it can seem like a simple process after being in a car crash however, nerves and adrenaline can have an impact on decision making moments after an incident.
Remaining calm and taking things one step at a time can help ease the pressure and make the given scenario a lot easier to handle.
Here is LeaseCar.uk’s top eight tips for dealing with a car crash:
Check yourself
Initially, it is easy to be worried about your car and the damage that has been caused to it but you should always check yourself and any passengers first. Your health is more important than that of the car.
Stop the car
Making sure the car is stationary and that hazard lights are on is vital for alerting other drivers and keeping you safe. Not only can this be dangerous but it is actually an offence not to do so.
Call emergency services
If there are any injuries, no matter how small they may appear, it’s advisable to call 999 as quickly as possible.
Don’t apologise
Although it may seem natural to apologise to the other party involved in the crash even if it wasn’t your fault, this can actually point the blame towards you.
Stay calm
It’s normal to be in shock immediately after an accident and even the days following. Try to remain calm and take things slowly, the calmer you are the better you can be to handle the situation.
Take details
Getting all the details after an incident will help when it comes to speaking and giving information to your insurance provider. Note down the make, model, and number plate of the vehicle (s) involved as well as any witnesses too. The time, date, and location of the crash will also help to give insurers a better picture of what happened.
Use your phone for evidence
Take pictures of the scene, the damage to the vehicles involved as well as their positions on the road. These can be given to insurers and even the police to help assess who was at fault for the crash.
Call insurance provider
This is best done as soon as possible so that all the details of the accident are fresh in your mind. If you’re entitled to a payout or rental vehicle for example, it will mean that this process is carried out quicker.