In India, over 50 lakh accidents have occurred in the past 10 years and approximately 1.5 lakh lives are lost on a yearly basis. This only shows the lack of road safety measures taken by people while driving or riding their vehicles.
With these alarmingly high numbers, you need to be prepared for all kinds of eventualities when on the road. Hence, knowing exactly what to do if you end up in a road accident to ensure the safety of another party and yourself is imperative.
Immediate Measures to Take in Case of an Accident
An accident has occurred and you were part of it. What are the immediate steps you need to take in a situation like this? Ask yourself the following questions in the event of an accident and make sure that you have an answer to every last one of them.
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Is Anyone Hurt?
Look around. From all those involved in the road accident, determine who is hurt, including yourself. If you are unscathed, make sure to help anyone who may be severely injured. You could be injured in an event like this, and hence, don’t hesitate to take someone’s help.
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Is Something Going to Burst Into Flames?
Accidents don’t have to be major in any sense. A small collision or a few scratches to your car could also be considered a road accident. However, you must always be careful in situations like these since you can’t tell the internal damage caused to your vehicle. Hence, in case of a minor accident, slowly ride/drive your vehicle to the side of the road so as to not block the ongoing traffic and check if yourself and your vehicle are okay.
However, if the accident was a major one, leave the vehicles exactly where they are, but move away from them. You’ve got to step away from your bike or car in case there are any unseen gas leaks. Additionally, there are high chances that your reflexes and state of mind could be temporarily scattered after a major accident. It is not safe to drive in a state like this, hence, stepping away from your vehicle would be wise.
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Is Medical Help Required?
Once you have checked up on everyone, determine whether anyone needs immediate medical help. If you are hurt, ask someone to call an ambulance for you. In case of anyone else being hurt, call an ambulance for them.
In your own case, should you find yourself severely injured, you need not worry about the medical expenses if you are already secure with health insurance. Be it a ₹1 Crore health insurance or a ₹5 Lakh health insurance, your emergency medical needs will be covered.
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Where’s the Police?
This is a full-blown road accident. If the police haven’t been called yet, be the one to do so. Do not hesitate just because the accident may be minor. Call the cops.
Remember that you need a copy of an FIR to claim any motor insurance benefits. Hence, make sure that the cops are informed. Furthermore, with the police on the scene, the accident and its aftermath will be managed in a very efficient manner by the authorities.
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Have I Called My Insurance Company?
It is understandable for you to consider settling the accident with the third party by just exchanging the reimbursement cash between the both of you. However, it is very important for you to let your insurance company know of the accident.
Calling your insurance company and letting them know about the accident will allow them to help you out of your financial hot soup caused the accident. Moreover, you can rightfully settle the damage costs with the third party involved.
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How Can I Fix The Damage?
Get that phone out of your pocket and document the whole thing. Document all the damage done to your vehicle and to the vehicle of the other party involved. Take close-ups of the dented or scratched areas and take a proper picture of the entire car as well.
This way, you will be able to provide the damage control authority, which is your insurer, with the right proof to ask for help. You will be asked to submit images of the damage to start off the claim process from the insurer’s end. Submitting these images is part of the documentation protocols that all motor insurance companies have to follow.
Additionally, you must record exactly which part of the road the accident happened on, the time and the date. All these details will determine whether or not you will get the amount or coverage you are making a claim for.
The Last Note…
It is understandable for you to be completely shell-shocked right after an accident. It can also be very difficult to think straight in times like these. However, there are a few rules that you must ingrain into your mind to follow right after an accident or road mishap occurs.
Check for everyone’s safety, call the medics and the cops, call your insurance company, collect all the immediate evidence needed for insurance claims, and, through it all, stay calm. Try not to panic or lose your cool. If you are covered by good comprehensive motor insurance, there isn’t any financial damage that you have to feel panicked or frustrated about. Remember, in times like these, your safety and that of everyone involved in the accident matters the most.
