Even with extreme vigilance, traffic accidents can still happen at any time. Indeed, the slightest inattention, or unthinking act, can be the cause of an accident. The consequences can range from the slightest to the most complicated, depending on the degree of impact. The damage can be material and/or physical, with consequences that can be irreversible in some cases. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn some of the things you need to know if there is an accident.
First step: Instant reflexes
First of all, if the driver is in a state to react and if there is no physical damage, the first reflex he must have is to report the accident. This reporting will involve putting up traffic signs as well as turning on the hazard lights to avoid another accident.
You must then take note of all the evidence of the accident for a possible reconstruction during the police report and ask for witnesses if there were any. On the other hand, if there is physical damage, such as the existence of one or more injured people, the first thing to do is to call the emergency services and the police.
Second step: Make an amicable report
Proceeding in an amicable manner allows you to initiate the compensation procedure after the causes and consequences of the accident have been determined according to the report that has been drawn up in detail.
Third step: Contacting the insurance company
The report must be submitted to the insurance company within five (05) days after the accident. If the other driver is not insured, the request for the report will be addressed to the authorities relating to the mandatory insurance.
The identity of the witnesses is also required to win the case. In the event of a disagreement between the parties, the wisest thing to do is to take note of the vehicle information (registration number, insurance, etc.)
Fourth step: Towing the vehicle
If the accident did not occur on a highway, you are free to call a tow truck of your choice. There are many towing and recovery companies available today. However, if your insurance policy includes towing services, you don’t have to worry about it because all you have to do is call your insurance.
If the accident happened in a remote area, you would need to call the nearest police station or law enforcement agency to be directed to a permanent tow truck. Towing will always be necessary if the car is damaged.
Note, however, that all the steps involved in towing your vehicle will be handled by the towing company you contact.
Fifth step: Repairing the damaged vehicle
For the repair procedures at the garage, the conditions will be set at your convenience according to the damage observed. They will involve the choice of the repairer, so the garage, the estimate of the reception of the vehicle, the acts to be done, the insurance for the reimbursement of expenses, and the expertise of the car. The car will be evaluated by a car expert who will determine if its condition can still be repaired or not. The work to be done will then be determined from this expertise.
Sixth step: The police take responsibility
The assumption of responsibility by the gendarmerie will allow for an investigation into the extent and seriousness of the accident. The causes of the accident can be due to many factors, and the gendarmerie’s report will determine if there was a traffic violation or if the accident was due to other factors.
At the end of the report, the victim can file a complaint, if he or she wishes, in order to receive compensation for the damages suffered. However, the victim can make an out-of-court settlement with the person responsible for the accident,
If no agreement can be reached, legal proceedings can be initiated by the victim, who must present irrefutable proof of the culpability of the person responsible. The victim can, of course, call on the services of a lawyer for legal action.
Final thoughts
Since the vehicle has suffered material damage, repairs are necessary, and it should be carefully towed to a garage. The towing of the damaged car should be done with specialized vehicles. Sound off in the comments section below, and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about car accidents.
