Here at CWS 4×4 we see the results of accidents in 4x4s everyday and know just how worrying they can be for the owner of the vehicle. Whether it’s a small fender-bender or a serious collision, they’re all worrying – but there are precautions that you can take. So here’s a checklist of, y’know, stuff you need to keep on hand and in mind before the really tricky driving weather sets in and the risks inevitably increase. Fingers crossed, this will eliminate as much panic as possible should you be unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident.
Emergency Service Numbers
Imagine that you’ve just been involved in an accident. Everyone is OK, but the scene is still fairly chaotic. The first thing that you’ll likely want to see is the emergency services taking control of the situation. All right, we’re not telling you to engrave triple nines on your steering wheel, but more a reminder that calling the emergency services doesn’t mean that somebody will face criminal proceedings. In terrible weather conditions such as snow or very heavy rain, accidents can happen without either party being at fault. And if someone’s seriously injured or trapped in a vehicle, getting the paramedics or the Fire Brigade in is top priority.
Gather the Right Information
Once an accident has occurred it is imperative that you gather the right information. Basically, what you’ll need to gather as quickly as possible, after getting your breath back, is:
- Time and date of accident
- Registration of all cars involved
- Photographs of damage to all vehicles involved
- Details of all other drivers and witnesses such as name, address and telephone number
- Insurance details of all parties
You don’t need to be the Memory Man though. Pop out your smart-phone and you can take photos and videos of the scene and all the relevant details – but only if it’s safe.
Informing the Authorities
We’re not just talking about ringing 999 again, or getting your local MP involved. Soon after an accident, the main authorities you want to contact are your doctor and your insurance company. Visit your GP because you might be shaken up some, or you might’ve done some damage to yourself that wasn’t immediately apparent. And ring your insurance company. If you feel you’re not to blame for any road collision, don’t be afraid to take things further. There are legal firms out there who deal with road accident claims and compensation, like AYB Law who specialise in Motor Insurer’s Bureau (MIB) claims, and you’ll want to inform such firms about any accident as soon as possible.
But Most Importantly…
Stay calm, collect your thoughts, and follow this checklist. Hey, accidents happen – and it’s enough to shred the nerves of the most hardened drivers. But with a little composure, you can remain in control of what can be a nasty situation. If your vehicle’s been damaged in an accident, fixing it up is bound to be on your mind. Here at CWS 4×4 we specialise in 4×4 and Land Rover spare parts to get your vehicle up and running. For more information about our services, simply contact us on 01458 834930. And please, stay safe out on the roads this winter.