Whether you are heading off on your first road trip or making a routine run to the grocery store for weekly supplies, experiencing a car accident can be an incredibly distressing and sometimes life changing experience for anyone. Even in the midst of a pandemic and regular lockdowns, car accident occurrences have continued to spiral upwards. According to recently released data, Australia has seen a 11.3 percent increase in road traffic accidents in the last 5 years. This has made it even more important that every driver prepares themselves for what they can do in the event of a car accident.
Don’t Panic
While a car accident can leave you feeling shocked and distressed, it is important not to panic in its aftermath. Remaining calm helps you maintain a clear mind and know what to do next in the most logical order like collecting details of the parties involved. It is also recommended that you try to keep calm to avoid admitting incriminating details or accepting fault before the details of the accident have been established. A good tip is to practice deep breathing and do a quick post crash assessment to help yourself remain collected and aware.
File A Claim With Your Insurer
Another thing you will need to think about is filing a claim with your car insurer. It is recommended that you file a car accident claim as soon as possible after the accident. You will need to provide details such as the name of the other driver, their car registration number, a recount of the accident and details of any witnesses. Before you file a claim, have a look at your car insurance policy to ensure you are eligible for the suitable claim. The type of car insurance you have will determine what you can claim for. For instance, drivers with third party car insurance will only be covered for damage to other vehicles involved, not their own.
Seek Information On Your Rights And Case
Once you have recorded details of the accident and gotten past the initial shock of it, it may be time to speak to an accident attorney to find out where you stand when it comes to compensation. Even if you have filed a claim with your insurer, the other driver can still bring a civil case against you to recover damages and compensation. Having an initial consultation session with an attorney that specializes in cases like yours can provide much needed clarity on your rights, procedure and your chances. For instance, an attorney that specializes in commercial vehicle collision will be able to share in depth knowledge on the procedure when multiple insurance policies are involved or the safety element that comes with operating large commercial vehicles like freight trucks.
Speak To Someone About The Trauma Of The Accident
It is not uncommon for car accidents to cause mental or emotional distress and in some cases, post traumatic stress disorder. Research has shown that over 6 in 10 people admit to feeling uncomfortable around the sites of their accident. In fact, local charity beyondblue identified serious car accidents as a leading cause of PTSD in Australia. According to Lynda Matthews of the Rehabilitation Counselling Unit at the University of Sydney, up to 30 percent of car crash victims will experience a negative psychological response.
It helps to seek professional help and speak about your emotions after the accident. Many survivors of car accidents often experience flashbacks, panic and anxiety attacks. For help dealing with the emotional aftermath of an accident, look out for distinguishing signs of PTSD and emotional trauma after the event. Relaxation exercises such as yoga and meditation can also help while speaking to a trauma counsellor can help you work through any triggering events.
While not all car accidents are unavoidable, there are steps you can take to reduce the chances of ever experiencing one. If you do happen to experience a car crash, remaining calm and following the key steps after an accident can help you move past it quickly and painlessly.
