What to do after a winter car accident
Even if you're prepared for driving in the winter, you can still get in a car accident. What do you do after a car accident? Here are some tips to help you.
There are approximately 6 million car accidents every year. While many of these aren't fatal, they often result in significant injury and vehicle damage. Things easily become complicated, though, if an accident occurs during the winter.
Icy roads can lead to more severe collisions, and handling the necessary obligations afterward can be dangerous in severe weather. So, it's best that you know ahead of time exactly what you need to do in a situation like this. Not sure where to start? Don't worry, we’ve got you covered. Let's take a look at everything you need to know about what to do after a winter accident.
1. Get out of your car and get to safety
After a collision during harsh conditions, you'll want to get to safety as soon as possible. This means getting your vehicle off the road and somewhere safe nearby after the car accident. Staying on the road can put you at risk of other drivers colliding with your vehicle, potentially resulting in further damage and injury.
2. Call the police and report the car accident
Once you're in a location out of harm's way, call the police and inform them about the accident. Briefly tell them where you are, what happened, and whether or not you (or the other driver) need immediate medical treatment for your injuries.
When you talk to the police, make sure you get the name of the officer who wrote the report as well as the report number. It's also important not to admit blame for the car crash while speaking with law enforcement.
Photo Sam Jotham Sutharson
3. Stay where you are (and stay visible) after the car crash
While waiting, stay in your car so that you can stay warm. If you're waiting somewhere that isn't properly illuminated (or if the weather is particularly bad), put your vehicle's hazard lights on and set up road flares to ensure that you're as visible as possible to other drivers.
If you must exit your vehicle for any reason, don't do so until you're positive there aren't any other vehicles on the road. If the collision occurred later in the evening or at night, wear bright clothing if you can (or wrap yourself in a reflective blanket or jacket if you have one).
4. Gather the car-crash-evidence that you can
If the weather allows you to, take pictures of the scene. This includes any visible injuries you have, the damage to the vehicles involved in the crash, damage to the surrounding environment, etc. This is one of the most important steps, as this information will be useful in the future if you decide to take legal action against the other driver.
Photo by Creators Collective
5. Seek medical attention for your injuries
Even if you feel fine, you need to seek medical attention after you leave the scene of the car accident. It's not impossible to have internal injuries that present no symptoms at the time of the accident, and these can easily result in further complications if left untreated. So, be sure to visit a medical professional as soon as you can for an assessment of your injuries.
Knowing what to do after a winter accident can seem difficult
But it doesn't have to be. With the above information about what to do after a winter accident in mind, you'll be well on your way to handling things as quickly and safely as possible. Want to learn more about the winter forecasts in your area? Be sure to check out this page for more information.
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