It is a fact of modern life that many people will be involved in some kind of road traffic accident claim at some point in their lives. Personally I was injured in a car accident about 15 years ago. I had a whiplash neck injury, and would prefer not to do that again.
Those of us who occasionally drive an RV or campervan, a large unwieldy recreational vehicle that drives very differently from our regular car, and then take long road trips through unfamiliar areas with children fighting in the back seats, know that we need to be extra vigilant, especially when we don’t know where the accident blackspots are. These are some of the factors taken into account when campervan insurance is provided, in case we ever need to deal with a road traffic accident claim.
But even the most careful drivers can’t always avoid an accident. Sometimes we are completely not at fault, and could have done nothing to stop it. Other times, with quick reactions and luck, we may be able to reduce the damage caused. Thankfully, most accidents are minor ‘fender benders’. But once the accident has happened, how prepared are we for what comes next?
Here is a checklist of things to remember if you are in a road traffic accident. Firstly, if your vehicle hasn’t already been stopped by the accident, then stop at the side of the road and switch the engine off. In many areas, failing to stop when you are involved in a traffic accident is a criminal offence.
Clear your mind and try to stay calm
However mentally prepared or organised you are, you must also be prepared for the likelihood that after a traffic accident you may be in shock, which chould affect your thinking and judgement.
If there is no immediate danger, take a moment for some deep breaths, focus your mind and try to be calm.
This will clear your mind and help you to analyse the situation, make sensible judgements and prevent further injury or damage occurring.
Check for injuries
The first thing to do is to check everyone for injuries.
There may be people injured in one or more vehicles, depending on the traffic, and the seriousness of the car accident.
If someone has been injured with a minor injury that you can treat with first aid, try to assist them. If anyone has more serious injuries and needs anything more than the most basic first aid, call an ambulance.
Check for damage
If there is serious damage to a vehicle, everyone who can safely move should get out to the roadside. If no one else is involved, but you have damaged parked cars or other property, leave a note with your name, address and insurance details. If you are not the owner of the vehicle you are driving, you should also provide the owner’s details.
Injured Animals
If you have injured or run over an animal, call its owner if it is a pet, or otherwise call the RSPCA, the Humane Society, the police, or the Highway Patrol.
Call the Police or the Highway Patrol.
Once the people are safe call the local police or Highway Patrol to report the accident and ask for their assistance if necessary.
When the police ask you questions, answer concisely and factually. You are legally required to be able to provide your driver license, vehicle registration documents, proof of insurance, and current address to others involved and any peace officers present. In many countries you will have to provide all these documents on demand or face a fine, while others, such as the UK, may allow you to bring some of them to a police station within a limited time.
Record all the details of the accident
It is a good idea to keep a disposable camera in your vehicle in case of accidents, to photograph the damage and relative positions of the cars involved on the road.
Get the information of anyone directly involved in the accident such as their names, driver license numbers, and addresses. If any of the drivers do not own the vehicle they were driving, the owner’s name, address and insurance details will be needed as well.
You should also take down the licence number and state that issued the licence of each car involved in the accident as well as the licence number and state that issued the licence of cars nearby as the police can track them down to use as witnesses if necessary.
Call your insurance agent.
The sooner you call your agent the better, as they can advise you and help you through the process.
Removing your vehicle
If your vehicle is undriveable, you will need to get it towed away, either to your home or to a mechanic, or somewhere else you can keep it legally parked without blocking other traffic.
Check with your vehicle insurance company, as you may have a roadside assistance provision in your accident insurance that would cover this.
Reporting a serious accident
Depending on your location, there will be laws about reporting serious accidents, and your insurance company and / or lawyer can advise you on this. For example, in California you are legally required to report a road traffic accident to the DMV if it was so serious that someone was injured or killed, or property damage was caused exceeding $750.
However, as with any legal documents, don’t rush into signing anything you don’t understand on the spot, especially bearing in mind that you are probably in some degree of shock from the accident.
If you are confused about any documents, ask the police to explain, and ask your insurance agent for advice.
Call your lawyer.
If you are going to need a lawyer, contact one as soon as you can.
If you are unsure of your legal situation, whether you are making a road traffic accident claim or a claim is being made against you, your lawyer will be the best person to explain it to you, represent you and help you through any further legal processes such as accident injury claims.
Ask questions.
If you don’t ask any questions, the police, your insurance agent and your lawyer will assume that you know what to do.
It is always better to ask questions than to risk a misunderstanding with potentially serious consequences later on.
If you have been found at fault in an auto accident, or convicted of drink driving, in some US states you may need to file form SR22 with the DMV in future to verify that you have the legally required insurance coverage.
Finally, be prepared for every eventuality with careful provision for your campervan insurance needs, so that if you ever have to make a road traffic accident claim, or answer one, it would be provided for.
