Accidents can easily happen unexpectedly. You could be in the parking lot in a busy suburban shopping mall or miles from anywhere on a remote stretch of highway. You may be injured and later decide to file a personal injury claim.
There are so many factors and variables that it is hard to say exactly what you can do if you are involved in a car crash, but it will be easier if you had some handy items packed away in your trunk. Here are some tips for what you should carry in case of an accident.
Tip#1: A First Aid Kit
It may be hours before help arrives at the accident scene or just minutes. If you or anyone else is injured, a first aid kit will come in very useful and you will be glad you packed it. A first aid kit for an auto could include:
- sterile, clean gauze bandage to cover wounds;
- antiseptic ointment;
- sharp scissors for cutting bandages;
- a roll of crepe bandage for wrapping round wounds or supporting a limb;
- triangular bandages or material that can be used for supporting broken limbs;
- aspirin or other mild painkillers;
It’s also worth having a first aid handbook that can be consulted in the event of having to deal with injuries at the scene. This will be useful for stemming blood flow and dealing with fractures and burns while waiting for help to arrive.
Tip#2: Have a Spare Charged Cell Phone and 12V Charger
You may find that you need your phone just when it is running out of charge. That’s when a spare phone can come in useful and the means to charge it.
Tip#3: A Hazard Triangle and High Visibility Vest
If the accident happens on a busy stretch of highway, it is safer to wear high visibility jacket or vest and warn other motorist that an accident scene is ahead of them.
Tip#4: Warm, waterproof clothing and or blankets
If it is likely that you are passing through a cold, mountainous area or it is winter, you could get cold very quickly, especially if your car’s heater is not working because of the accident. You need to keep you and anyone in your vehicle warm while waiting for help to arrive.
Tip#5: Water and Food
Water is essential if you are driving in a dry area such as a desert, or even if it is just very hot. Your car’s air conditioning might not work if you have had a crash. Food will keep the spirits up until help arrives.
Tip#6: GPS or Map
You may already have a GPS for the car, or a GPS app on your cell phone. An ordinary paper map or a spare GPS in the trunk is useful too, in case the GPS on the dash or windscreen is damaged in the crash.
This is so that you can provide a precise location for where you are when you contact emergency services such as an ambulance or the police.
Tip#7: Don’t Forget to Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney if You Have Been Injured Through No Fault of Your Own
Once you have received medical treatment, you may be wondering just what this accident is going to cost you and you may feel resentment against another driver involved in the accident if he or she was to blame. You may be able to file a personal injury claim if the accident was not your fault.
Contact a personal injury attorney to find out what your legal options are.
