Road trips can be a lot of fun and are something that everybody should do at least once in their lifetime. They give you an opportunity to see things that don’t often show up on a normal tourist’s radar. Also, you get to experience more of the country where you actually live and see it from a different perspective.
However, long road trips present a challenge when it comes to safety. Whether it is dealing with aggressive or distracted drivers, or trying to keep awake while spending too many hours behind the wheel, it can be dangerous. Although you may never end up in an accident when on a road trip, you should know what to do in this situation as you never know what could happen.
In this article, we will go over several of the steps you need to take when you are faced with an accident on a road trip.
Be prepared
Before you set out on your road trip, make sure to have everything that you need to stay safe during the trip. Not only that, but have things on hand in case you are in an accident. For instance, a first aid kit is an essential item on a road trip as even a minor accident can cause problems that need to be treated right away.
You may want to have some emergency numbers stored on your phone in case you are in an accident and not near a solid internet signal. As long as you have phone reception you can call for a tow truck if you end up with an auto accident injury in West Virginia or any other rural area.
Right after the collision
The aftermath of the collision will end up just like it would if it had happened when you were back home. You’ll want to make sure that everybody is alright and there are no serious injuries.
One it is established that there were no serious injuries, then you will have to exchange information with the other driver. Things like your driver’s license information and your insurance.
Since you are far from home, it may be a good idea to call your insurance company and ask them what to do next.
If the accident is serious
If the cars are not moveable and there is the possibility of injuries then call the police so they can come and assist. They’ll file a report that you will definitely need whether you are at fault or not.
If your car is not going anywhere then you will have to make a decision about the rest of the trip assuming there are no injuries. Once your car is towed away to a local mechanic or auto body shop, you will understand the magnitude of the accident. The mechanic will have enough experience to let you know if they think the car should be fixed or if they think the insurance company will total it.
If the car is totaled then you will have to get back home without your car and wait for the claim to run its course.
