If you have never been in a car accident, you probably know someone who has. With so many cars on the road and a lot of less-than-stellar drivers, crashes are an unfortunate fact of life. And while you hope to never be in one, it’s important to be prepared just in case.
Driving defensively and always obeying traffic rules are two good rules of thumb that can help you avoid an accident. It’s also a good idea to know what to do if an accident occurs. These tips from our Jeep® service experts are helpful to keep in mind.
1. Assess the Situation
The first thing you will want to do is to check yourself and any passengers in your car. In most cases, the police should be called after an accident, and this is particularly important if someone is hurt.
If an injury to a passenger in your car looks severe, try to keep them from moving until medical help arrives.
2. Move Your Vehicle
If the accident is serious, moving your vehicle may not be an option. However, if your car can still drive, try to move it as far off the road as possible. Often, rubberneckers and drivers not paying attention make accidents worse with their careless driving.
3. Take Pictures
Because accidents frequently have to be sorted out by police and insurance companies, it’s a smart idea to fully document the damage. Using your phone or tablet, be sure to take some clear photos. You may also want to record a video as well.
4. Get Contact Information
Finally, if another driver is involved, don’t forget to get his or her contact information. This is particularly vital for recouping any money for damages.
It’s also important to know where to bring your car for repairs after an accident. For quality service from experts, you can always count on the service department at our Jeep dealership in Toms River.
