While it is never fun to think about the possibility of being in a car accident, the fact is that car accidents are very common. Around 50 million people are injured in some type of car accident each year. Based on data from the Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT), more than 37,000 people die in car accidents each year in the United States. An additional 20 to 50 million people suffer some type of injury or disability from a car accident.
Car accidents are not only extremely dangerous, but they can also be very expensive. Car accidents cost the U.S. an estimated $230.6 billion dollars annually. Following some type of car accident, things can seem very hectic and confusing. Most people are caught off guard and are unprepared for this type of accident. Even though car accidents are not fun things to consider, it is important to note that there are some things you can do in advance to prepare in the event that you are involved in a car accident.
Being Prepared for Car Crashes – 5 Questions to Answer
While being in a car accident is never easy, there are some things you can do in advance that may help you cope in the unfortunate event that you are in an accident. Here are six recommended tips to follow:
- Do you have some kind of an emergency signal? It is helpful to keep orange cones, emergency triangles or some kind of flare in your car. If you are in an accident, these are useful to have to alert oncoming traffic about the accident.
- Is your car insurance information up-to-date easily accessible? One of the first things you will likely need if you are in a car accident is your car insurance information. Its important keep this information with you in an easy-to-find location at all times while traveling in your car.
- Have you written down any relevant medical information for you and other likely passengers in your vehicle? In the unfortunate event that you are in a car accident with injuries, it is helpful to have quick access to any important medical information for you, your family, and any other people likely to be traveling in your vehicle.
- Do you have a cell phone and charger with you? Whether you are in a minor accident or a more serious one, chances are you will need to make phone calls. Traveling with access to a phone and a charger is advisable.
- Do you know who you will contact in the event that you are in a car accident and need help? If you are injured in a car accident, you’ll likely have a list of emergency contacts to call. You may also benefit from the help of a skilled car accident lawyer like the attorneys at the Cooper and Friedman Law Firm. Having a good reference for a law firm that understands car accidents is advisable in the event that you are ever in need of legal help.