How to Prepare for a Car Accident Before It Happens

No one wants to get in a car accident, but unfortunately, they happen. Drivers can be distracted, driving erratically, or simply not paying attention. Even if you are the most vigilant driver, you can still be in an accident.

You can take steps to prepare for an accident. Read on to learn more about them, including having an emergency kit, storing critical documents in a safe location, and driving safely. We’ll also cover what to do at the scene of an accident.

Car accidents can be traumatic, and when you’re ready to file a personal injury claim, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are here to help.

Vehicle Preparation and Maintenance to Prevent Car Accidents

Many drivers wonder how to prepare for a car accident before (it happens), and there are several steps you can take. First, drivers should get routine car maintenance, including tire checks, brake inspections, and fluid levels. It ensures your vehicle is in working order. The last thing you want is your brakes to go out.

Create an Emergency Car Kit

An emergency car kit can come in handy if there’s an accident. Core elements of this first aid kit include:

• First aid supplies: Band-aids, tape, gloves, gauze, topical ointment, alcohol wipes, etc. Your first aid kit should include items to treat surface wounds.
• Jumper cables: You can use jumper cables to kickstart your battery if it’s dead.
• Flares: A great way to show you’re distressed on the highway. It can also help other cars see you.
• Flashlight: Flashlights can help you see if the accident occurred at night and help others find you by following the light.

The emergency kit can also include phone chargers, batteries, whistles, and other items to prepare you for your time of need.

Document Preparation and Organization

You should carry certain documents with you, while you can store others in your glove compartment for ease of reference.

Keep Important Documents in Your Car

Many drivers keep copies of their important documents in the glove box. These include copies of their driver’s license, insurance card, vehicle registration, and emergency contact information. Wherever they store them, they should be readily accessible.

You can also take photos of the information and store them on your phone for easy access. The more readily you can produce the information, the better.

Take Photos of Your Vehicle

Document the condition of your vehicle regularly by taking photos. Walk around it and take pictures from all different angles. These photos will come in handy so you can prove its condition before the accident.

The other driver can’t tell their insurance company your car had the damage already if you have photographic proof!

Consider Dash Cam Installation

Dash cams are becoming more popular. They help provide video evidence of what happened before, during, and after the accident. The footage can also help show who was at fault during the accident.

Driving Practices and Safety Habits

You can make sure to practice safe and defensive driving as another way to prepare for a car accident before it happens.

Practice Defensive Driving

Defensive driving is a way to remain vigilant while driving to protect yourself. Examples of this include:

• Maintaining a safe following distance. If you are rear-ended, you will not cause a chain reaction because you left enough space to not hit the car in front of you.
• Being aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to everything going on so you can avoid a car accident before it happens.
• Anticipating potential hazards. You may be able to tell when something isn’t feeling right. Take a few seconds to pause at lights to ensure you’re not caught by someone running a light. Avoid driving in black ice conditions.

By driving defensively, you can help reduce the risk of car accidents.

Avoid Distracted Driving

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported there were more than 3,000 people who tragically lost their lives in a car accident due to distracted driving [1].

Distracted driving is just as it sounds. When you stop focusing entirely on driving, that distraction can cause a car accident.

The different types of distracted driving include:

• Texting: Many people still text while driving. Wait until you arrive at your destination to respond or use talk-to-text.
• Talking on the phone: Talking on the phone, especially without a headset, can be tempting. However, you shouldn’t talk on your phone in the car unless you’re using a hands-free device, a speakerphone, or your car’s sound system.
• Looking for something: Some people dig through their bags while driving to try to locate something, which can cause them to take their hands off the wheel.
• Taking your eyes off the road: It only takes a split second for something to happen, so do not look away from driving.

Engaging in distractions like these and more can lead to an unexpected car accident, so it’s best to avoid them.

Obey Traffic Laws and Speed Limits

The rules of the road are there to protect you and create a safe space for drivers. As you’re driving, be sure to obey all traffic laws, including:

• Speed limits
• Yielding to pedestrians
• No turn-on red unless otherwise noted
• Left turns on green arrows where applicable

You can minimize your risk of causing an accident when you follow the rules of the road.

In Case of a Car Crash

If you’re in a motor vehicle accident, take a deep breath and follow these steps.

Know What to Do at the Scene

Immediately after the accident, you want to call 911 to report the accident. They will send the police as soon as possible. They will also ask if you need an ambulance if anyone is injured.

While you wait, exchange insurance information with the other driver. Do not admit fault or liability. Most importantly, do not leave the accident scene.

Document the Accident Thoroughly

When you’re in an automobile accident, you should gather evidence at the scene. This can include:

• Photos: Take pictures of the cars, surroundings, and other details that will help as you file insurance claims.
• Witness statements: Get the name and contact information of anyone who witnessed the accident. They may be called to provide testimony on what happened.
• Police report: Obtain a copy of the police report to provide to your insurance company. Also, get the name and badge number of the responding officer.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance company immediately following an accident. Provide all the necessary information. They will review the details and start the process of getting your car fixed or replaced.

Follow all the instructions the insurance company gives you. This will ensure they can provide prompt service. If you don’t, you may go back and forth about the insurance claim and delay the process. Depending on your insurance coverage, you may be eligible for a rental car during the process.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you’re not seriously injured, seeing a doctor following a car accident is a good idea. They can provide a full medical evaluation to clear you. Some seemingly minor injuries may actually be more serious. They’re just not as immediately apparent as others.

If you file a personal injury case, your medical bills and other medical treatment should be covered in the settlement.

Secure Expert Legal Representation

A personal injury lawyer from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help support you throughout the entire process. We can help you navigate the claims process, deal with insurance companies, and protect your rights to get the settlement you deserve.

Consult a personal injury attorney by calling (888) 424-5757 or filling out our contact form.

Resources: [1] NHTSA

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.