Did you know that car accident statistics differ significantly between the United States and Canada? In 2018, 12 million drivers in the United States were involved in vehicle crashes, while in Canada, only 160,000 car accidents occurred the same year. The disparity may be attributed to more Canadians using mass transit and having stricter laws.
Despite being the safest driver, accidents can still happen due to factors beyond your control, such as another driver running a red light. For new and young drivers facing such situations, it’s crucial to have the confidence and knowledge to deal with first responders, injuries, other drivers, and insurance companies.
There are various types of accidents, some you may have already encountered, and others you hope to avoid. Regardless, knowing how to handle these scenarios is essential for every driver.
What to do after a collision, whether you’re involved or witnessing it
Nobody expects to be in an accident or witness one when they get in their car in the morning. That’s why being involved in one is something most people are not prepared for.
What to do after a collision or a car accident?
Whether you are personally involved in or only witnessed a car accident, there are steps that you should follow directly afterward. First and foremost, you need to check yourself for injuries before checking on anyone else. Adrenaline can be a funny thing, making us think we are okay when we are not. Once you know if you are injured or not, call 911 or have someone else make the call, then proceed to check on others in or around your vehicle.
You will want the police to make a formal report about the accident. In some states, this is a requirement, and the insurance company will likely ask for it when you file a claim. You need to sit and wait for the emergency services and police to arrive. During this time, if there are no major injuries, you can begin to exchange personal information.
- Full name and contact information
- Insurance company and policy number
- Driver’s license and license plate number
- Make, model, and type of car
- Location of the accident
Take photos of the accident scene and let the police determine fault in the accident. No one should blame the other or admit fault as it can be admissible in court. Make sure to get the names, badge numbers, and any other identifiable information for the police officers on the scene. Gather witness information as well. Once the report has been completed, begin talking to the insurance companies to file claims.
And, this is important – don’t make any side deals with other drivers to accept or pay cash for the accident instead of filing a police report or insurance claim. Making an handshake deal, no matter how much cash was offered, could put you in more trouble down the line.
What do I do if I have captured footage of the incident?
Capturing an accident that you are not a part of on your dash cam can be as scary as being involved in an accident.
If you are still there on the scene when the police come, you will want to offer them the footage you have captured on your dash cam. If you have already left the scene, then submit your footage to your local police. Give them as much information as you can, including the date, time and location of the accident, as well as your name and contact information – so they can get ahold of you if they need to. The footage you have caught may be able to help clarify any of the questions they have about what transpired during the accident. Video footage can be pretty irrefutable when all the facts are laid out.
What to do after a hit-and-run
In traffic law, a hit-and-run is the act of someone who knowingly causes an accident and leaves the scene without providing any information or assistance to the other vehicle or person involved. In most jurisdictions, a hit-and-run is a misdemeanor offense unless someone is injured. If there is an injury and the at-fault driver runs, it is considered a felony.
If you find yourself to be the victim in a hit-and-run accident, it is important to talk to possible witnesses and notify the police to file a report.
Dos and don’ts in a hit-and-run
Don’t follow the driver who flees the scene. The act of leaving could put you in a compromising position by missing witness statements, and the police may question who was at fault. Do get as much information as you can about the driver and their vehicle, such as:
- License plate number
- The vehicle make, model, and color
- The damage the accident caused to the other car
- The direction they were heading when they left the scene
- Photos of the damage
- The location, date, time, and potential cause of the hit-and-run
Don’t wait to call the police or insurance company. An official police and accident report can help locate the driver and is useful when filing your claim with insurance. Do ask the witnesses in the area if they can supply additional information about the accident. The statements of witnesses can be extremely helpful if you were not near your vehicle at the time of the incident. Do check your dash cam footage, if you have one, and see if you have captured it in video.
What to do after your car has been vandalized
Vehicle vandalism occurs when someone intentionally causes damage to the vehicle of another. Acts of vandalism may include but are not limited to keying, breaking windows, or slashing tires. Vandalism is not the same as an act of nature.
What to do when vandalism occurs
When vandalism occurs, there are steps you need to take to ensure that your insurance company will cover the damages. File a police report about the incident, providing proof and potential suspects if it’s a form of retaliation or harassment. Provide contact information for any witnesses. Until an insurance agent evaluates your vehicle, refrain from cleaning up or fixing anything. If windows are broken, take precautions to keep the interior dry. In public areas, clean up broken glass around your car, and save receipts for materials purchased. Document damages and stolen items, and check your dash cam footage for evidence, sending it to the police if necessary.
What can I do to make the process after a car accident easier?
An accident can lead to chaos, and even minor fender benders can be extremely stressful in the heat of the moment. Car accident lawyers nationwide often advise against posting about the incident on social media. Additionally, investing in a dash cam for your car can provide continuous protection every time you drive. Unlike relying on remembering to take out your phone for pictures, a dash cam will have already captured the incident on video, offering a valuable record.
Why can’t I share accident information or dash cam footage on social media?
Before the prevalence of social media, sharing personal details wasn’t as much of a concern. However, in today’s context, social media posts are admissible in court, making it crucial to be cautious. Making damaging comments or slandering the other party on social media can adversely impact your legal case, even if you weren’t at fault. If you feel the need to share accident footage on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube, it’s advisable to do so only after the case is settled and you’ve received approval from the police or your insurance company. Additionally, consider blurring sensitive information in the footage to protect the privacy of those involved.
A dash cam can be lifesaving in the event of an accident
Certainly! Here’s an alternative way to express the same idea:
Whether you’re driving long distances or just around the block, installing a dash cam can be a valuable investment to alleviate confusion in case of an accident. There are four compelling advantages to equipping your vehicle with a dash cam.
The recorded video provides crucial context for the accident. In situations where fault is unclear, dash cam evidence can reveal how the accident unfolded.
Video evidence is often considered indisputable. Being able to show exactly what happened can resolve conflicting accounts and expose dishonest parties involved in an accident.
As these recordings are admissible in court, insurance companies frequently rely on them as evidence. This can significantly expedite the reimbursement process for those implicated in an accident.
Dash cams not only safeguard drivers and their vehicles in accidents but also in hit-and-runs or cases of vandalism. Having footage to substantiate innocence can greatly facilitate the compensation process.
Aoedi keeps new and seasoned drivers safe and prepared
When involved in a car accident, many drivers, whether seasoned or new, often struggle to clearly articulate why the other driver is at fault. A dependable dash cam serves as real-time evidence in the event of an accident, offering crucial details even if the actual impact isn’t captured. It can reveal whether the vehicle was stationary, its speed, direction, and more. Having a dash cam is a proactive step towards safety, providing video evidence that can be invaluable.
At Aoedi, we offer the dash cams necessary to help drivers enhance their safety on the road. If you’re shopping on a budget, explore our selection under $150, featuring premium and reliable brands like us. For those seeking simplicity, consider our Aoedi New Driver Bundle, showcasing the Aoedi AD366 Dual-Channel paired with the IROAD OBD-II Power Cable for an effortless plug-and-play hardwire solution for parking mode recording.
If you’re unsure about the type of dash cam you need, our knowledgeable representatives are here to provide expert advice. Don’t forget to inquire about our latest promotions and discount offers! Whatever your choice, you’ll find it at Aoedi.
Post time: Nov-29-2023