It's that time of year where vehicle accidents increase due to slippery roads from snow and ice. Many of us think we know what to do after getting into an accident with a car or truck, but you would be surprised. If you find yourself in this situation, here are seven things to avoid to help prevent making it worse.
1. Apologize. This may sound harsh, but apologizing may be taken as a claim of responsibility for the accident rather than simply being sorry for it.
2. Make a deal. Do not make a deal for damages. Documentation is needed and you could be paying a lot more for the actual repairs.
3. Leave the Scene. Leaving the scene of an accident is not only reckless but also against the law.
4. Accept Offer of Cash. Do not accept an offer of cash for your repairs as you do not know how bad (or minor) they are at first inspection.
5. Deny Injury. If you and/or your passenger are injured, do not deny medical assistance. You could be doing more damage without realizing it.
6. Offer to Pay. Do not offer to pay anything, even if you are at fault.
7. Administer First Aid. Do not administer first aid unless you are licensed to do so. You can do additional damage.
If you are in an accident, you should immediately dial 911 to report it. Move the vehicle to a safe area, if possible. Remember to remain calm and to check if everyone involved are okay. Be sure to obtain insurance information as well as contact and witness information. At DVC, all of our drivers perform safety checks on their trucks before, during and after a journey as well as utilize safe driving best practices. They also are trained on what to do when involved in an accident. Contact us today to learn more!