How to Respond to an Accident

The use of foul language leading to fist fights are often the immediate aftermath of a roadside car accident in Pakistan. It shouldn’t be. It’s counterproductive and doesn’t leave you in a better position to get your car fixed.  

When you are on the road, there is always a chance of getting involved in an accident. Even if you are careful, it can still happen due to the other driver’s negligence.

It is therefore very important to know your rights as a motorist, what you should or shouldn’t do if you’re involved in an accident. 

This blog will help you understand post accident procedures and steps – dos and don’ts of how to respond to an accident.   

First things first

After a collision, you shouldn’t be coming out of the vehicle and starting a fight with the other person. Believe it or not, you can minimize the damage (financial) by being calm and civilized. 

There’s an old Italian proverb which roughly translates to You Can Catch More Flies With Honey Than With Vinegar. 

Gain full consciousness / Gather yourself

Irrespective of how bad the whiplash, you shouldn’t panic and gather your senses quickly. Proper breathing is essential in this regard. It will help you prepare for the next steps.

Check yourself for injuries

The next step is to look for injuries. Don’t overlook anything as some injuries might look minor in the beginning. The most important parts are neck, spine, and head. Don’t even move if you have an injury on these parts. Just wait for the help to arrive.  

Secure the kids, elderly, disabled, and yourself

It is important to check on the kids, elderly, or disabled persons with you. Look for their injuries, if any. It is better not to move them even if you don’t see any injuries. Not all injuries are visible; there are internal injuries as well which might aggravate if you move them. 

Spinal injury

If you suspect a spinal injury, NEVER move a person. The same goes for neck injuries. The best course to follow here is to call an ambulance and let the professionals handle the situation. 

Call emergency services (Police and Ambulance)

It is the most important step after you are involved in an accident. Try to call emergency services right after you gain consciousness. Even if there isn’t any injury you still need to call the police (explained later).

Here are some important emergency numbers for you. You should have them on your speed dial. 

• Police: 15
• Edhi ambulance: 115
• Chippa Ambulance: 1020
• Rescue helpline: 1122
• Fire brigade service: 16
• Rangers helpline: 1101
• Women helpline (Punjab): 1043

Call a tow truck if needed

If your car is badly damaged or you cannot drive it, you can get a tow truck service that will take your vehicle to your home or workshop. You cannot leave your vehicle alone. Make sure you take out all the valuables from it. Before this, you must fulfill the legal requirements explained later in this blog. 

Hit-and-Run

Many people just run away from the scene when they find themselves at fault. You shouldn’t do that due to several reasons. First of all, it is unethical. Secondly, it is illegal as well. Thirdly, you can save someone’s life by just being there. 

Deal with the large wounds first

You need to apply pressure if you get any large wounds. It helps to block or slow down bleeding. Otherwise, bleeding due to larger wounds can be fatal. Use your palm instead of fingers to apply the pressure as it is a more efficient way of doing it. 

Feeding isn’t good for injured person

Many people feel thirsty after sudden shock. It is not advised to feed them immediately. Immediate feeding can lead to vomiting and other complications which might worsen the situation. So, wait for the help to arrive and let the professionals handle the situation. 

Legal perspective

After you have covered all the essential elements, now is the time to start thinking about the legal side of things.

Securing evidence 

Securing the scene is an important thing you need to consider. Many people forget about it and lose vital evidence. Prevent anyone coming close to your vehicle. Don’t move your car before the authorities arrive as it can weaken your case when filing for insurance.  

Calling police is important

Calling police is important even if the impact was not big. It is because your insurance claim depends upon the police report. You might not be able to claim the insurance amount if you don’t have a police report. 

Provide accurate information for record

Providing accurate information for the police report is necessary. Filing for a successful insurance claim depends on it. You need to provide concrete and evidence based statements to validate the report. Cooperate with the investigating officer in every manner. Also, make sure that statements of the witnesses and other people are accurate.

Take pictures and record video

The best way to secure the site and record evidence is to make a video of the scene. Capture injuries, damages, and everything you find important. Just make sure that you get those pictures before police arrive as you cannot disturb them during investigation.

Exchange information

If you have a medical emergency which cannot wait, before leaving the scene, exchange information with the other driver and others involved including phone number, address, name, etc. This is especially true if you are leaving and the police haven’t arrived. 

Notify the insurance company

You won’t get a claim, if you don’t file for one and that too in time. Most insurance companies require viewing the vehicle in actual accidental condition on the road. So, don’t move your vehicle if it is not disturbing traffic flow. 

Contact your lawyer

Before giving any statement to officials or the other people involved in the accident, it is better to contact your lawyer. Your lawyer will not only help protect your rights but also tell which statement to give. This can also help with your insurance claim. 

The above mentioned were some of the most important steps to take AFTER an accident. However, we have also listed some steps below to avoid an accident.  

Tips to avoid accident

• Prefer life over vehicle

In any situation, you must protect the life of others and yourself. Don’t prioritize your vehicle while driving. It can help prevent major accidents.

• Be Alert

Being alert can avoid any mishap on the road. If you feel drowsy, it is better to avoid driving. 

• Avoid distractions

Your mobile phone, music, roadside banners, conversations, etc. Don’t pay attention to these as your and other people’s life matters.

• Slow and steady wins the race

Even if you are in a hurry, don’t overspeed. Overspeeding is among the major causes of car and bike accidents. 

• Don’t lose control of your vehicle

In any case, keep your hands on the steering or handles (in case of a bike).

• Avoid rash driving

Sharp cuts, drifting, sudden acceleration, etc. are also major causes of accidents. So, avoid rash driving.

• Follow all the rules

Following all the traffic rules is necessary. For this purpose, you should know the rules first. Many people don’t even know those rules. So, learn all of them to keep you and others safe. 

• Safeguard yourself

Fulfill all the safety requirements as accidents can happen to anyone which is the reason they are called “accidents”. If you ride a bike, wearing a helmet is necessary. In the same way, you must buckle your seatbelts in cars and other vehicles. Also, your vehicle must have essential safety features to protect your life.

Road accidents are common in Pakistan. Most of us have been involved in them or at least have seen them. What aggravates the problem is that many don’t even know what to do after an accident. So, we have guided you in the best possible way on how to respond to an accident.

Do you have a tip of your own to share? What do you think is the best way to respond to an accident? Share your opinion.