How to Handle a Traffic Accident for Beginners
2 Answers
Methods for beginners to handle a traffic accident: 1. In case of minor collisions, stop the vehicle promptly and set up a warning triangle behind the car. This is essential to alert other passing vehicles and prevent secondary accidents. 2. Exchange and check each other's documents, including driver's license and vehicle registration. If any documents are incomplete, it is advisable to call the police to avoid further complications. 3. Take photos for evidence. For minor collisions, take clear photos of the license plate numbers, with one photo from the front and one from the rear of the vehicles. Also, photograph the details of the collision and any skid marks, which will help the traffic police determine liability. 4. If traffic is heavy, after recording all relevant evidence, move the vehicles to a location that does not obstruct traffic and wait for the police to arrive. If opting for a private settlement, also move the vehicles to a place where they do not hinder traffic.
I was a bit stunned when the accident first happened, but I quickly regained my composure. The first thing I did was to pull over to a safe spot, turn on the hazard lights to prevent secondary collisions, and then immediately check for any injuries, including myself and the other party. If anyone was injured, I knew to call 120 or 110 right away. At the scene, I stayed calm and took plenty of photos for evidence, such as the damage to the vehicles and the surrounding environment, especially road signs and traffic signals. Then, we exchanged information—I got the other person's name, phone number, driver's license, and insurance policy number for future contact with the insurance company. Finally, I remembered to call my insurance company to report the incident; they assigned a specialist to guide me through the repair and claims process. Throughout the whole ordeal, I kept my cool. A few days after the accident, I even went to an auto repair shop to have the braking system thoroughly inspected to prevent any hidden issues.
