Sammy Hagar’s “I Can’t Drive 55″ captures the thrill of speed and that familiar feeling of freedom many drivers love.
In real life, though, millions of cars share the road at once, and all that traffic means accidents are bound to happen, even for careful drivers in busy areas like St. Petersburg and the surrounding Pinellas County communities.
If you have ever wondered what to do right after a collision, having a simple car crash guide in mind can keep you calmer, more organized, and better protected legally and financially.
This easy-to-read article walks you through practical steps to follow after a crash, plus what to think about when it is time to repair your vehicle.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Unfortunately, with over 286 million registered vehicles in America, the likelihood of a car accident when out driving has increased dramatically. Experts calculate that there are over 5 million car crashes annually, and there is a 1 in 366 chance of having an accident for every 1,000 miles driven.
Even in 2020, with the onset of COVID and less crowded streets, it is estimated that there were over 5 million car crashes, or one car crash somewhere in mainland America every six minutes.
Then, if you want to get an even more realistic idea of the number of car accidents, just look at the size of the auto repair industry. For example, analysts estimate that in 2022, car repair centers will generate over 78 billion dollars in revenue in the US alone.
Let these numbers sink in for a bit, and then…
Let’s Get Down to the Nitty-Gritty
Now that we have established that a collision of some sort is virtually inevitable at least once for all drivers, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and find out what you should do if involved in a car accident.
Since car accidents occur with such regularity, it is only logical to assume there is a series of steps that car crash victims should follow.
Indeed, this is undoubtedly the case, and when followed, these precautionary steps may well prevent the problem from becoming even more significant than it already is.
Why These Steps Matter After a Crash
The minutes after a collision are often confusing, but what you do in that short window can affect your health, your legal position, and how smoothly your insurance claim goes.
Staying at the scene, documenting what happened, and gathering the right information helps protect you if fault is disputed later.
It also gives your insurer and your repair shop a clearer picture of what the vehicle went through, which can make it easier to spot hidden damage and get your car safely back on the road.
Step # 1: Don’t leave the accident scene.
When a car accident happens, stay put and do not leave the scene until driver’s license details have been exchanged.
If the police are attending, do not leave the accident scene until the attending officers permit you to do so. It may be tempting to leave and avoid the rigmarole, but doing so can be construed as assuming guilt, and you may even be subject to hit-and-run charges.
Step # 2: Check for physical injuries.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that road traffic accidents account for 1.3 million fatalities annually, and independent analysts estimate that 2.35 million people across America are injured in car crashes yearly. These numbers highlight the importance of step number 2, which is to check for physical injuries.
If any car crash victims have sustained physical injuries, it is recommended to call 911 immediately. If you are unsure if the call is necessary, err on the side of caution and make the call anyway. Erring on the side of caution also applies if you decide to provide medical assistance.
Simply put, know your limitations and do not provide medical assistance beyond your training unless it is a life or death situation and there are no other options.
As a general rule, avoid moving injured people unless there is no other option. Always remember paramedics and other emergency crews have specialized emergency training, and your well-meaning intentions may have detrimental effects.
Step #3: Call the cops.
After a car accident where nobody appears injured, you may be tempted not to involve the police. This would be a mistake! Even though a car crash may seem comparatively minor, you will be faced with numerous factors to consider, which will invariably mean police involvement.
For example, there is the question of fault, financial arrangements, keeping the peace as tempers flare, and insurance payments. If the drivers involved in the accident cannot settle things on the spot, legal proceedings will follow, and a police report will be required. When a police officer attends the accident scene, getting the officer’s name and badge number is always a good, prudent step.
Step # 4: Move the cars.
If the accident is comparatively minor and no serious injuries have occurred among the car crash victims, you should attempt to move the cars to the side of the road.
Moving the cars will ensure they do not disrupt the traffic flow, lessening the chances of one accident causing other accidents. Lastly, moving the cars makes it easier for first responders and emergency service personnel to reach the accident scene.
Step # 5: Exchange the necessary information.
After getting in a car accident, it is necessary for all parties involved to exchange the necessary information. This will include getting the names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details of other people involved in the accident.
Other prudent actions include:
- Getting the names of all other parties’ insurance companies.
- Getting any witness’s details.
- Collecting online details.
- Taking a picture of the other parties’ insurance details and relevant information.
Step # 6: Gather all available evidence.
Even if it’s only a minor accident, gathering as much evidence as possible is always a good idea. This will include taking pictures of:
- The make, model, and year of all vehicles involved in the accident
- Any relevant insurance documents
- The license plate number of all cars involved in the accident
- Any identifying marks or characteristics. For example, pictures of bumper stickers or distinctive dents
- The crash site and the surrounding area, with particular emphasis on any street signage
- The crash site from different angles, as you never know what might be useful if proceedings end up in court
- The damage incurred by all parties. Take pictures of any telltale signs, such as skid marks or bald tires.
- The driver’s license of all drivers involved in the accident
Other recommended steps include being careful what you say and do. Try not to incriminate yourself or give away any information that can be used against you. Put pen to paper or fingers on a keyboard, and write up your version of what happened.
Ideally, this should be done immediately after the accident while events are still fresh in your mind. Lastly, contact your insurance company and offer them all the information you have gathered.
Following Up With Insurance and Repairs
Once everyone is safe and the scene has been documented, your focus shifts to getting your vehicle repaired and your claim processed.
Sharing clear photos, notes, and the police report with your insurer helps them understand both visible and functional damage.
Many drivers also find it helpful to talk with a body shop that understands how different kinds of impact can affect steering, suspension, and drivability since thorough collision repair steps look beyond surface scratches.
If the impact was significant or you notice pulling, vibrations, or warning lights after the crash, scheduling professional auto body repair in Largo, FL, or nearby can prevent small issues from turning into serious safety problems down the road.
Key Takeaway
After reading this article, you will hopefully have a better idea of what to do if in a car accident. With so many cars on the road, accidents are bound to happen.
Car accidents can be big or small, but no matter the size, there will almost always be legal angles to consider, especially when car crash victims have incurred physical injury due to the crash.
If you get into a car accident, there are well-established steps to protect yourself should the accident turn into a civil dispute and end up in court. By staying at the scene, checking for injuries, involving the police, moving vehicles to a safer spot when possible, exchanging information, and gathering evidence, you give yourself and your insurance company a much clearer picture of what really happened.
In many cases, following these simple steps can save you from excessive stress, time, and expense later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to relax your body in a car crash?
In a sudden crash, your body will usually tense up instinctively, and your muscles can help support and stabilize your neck and spine to a limited extent.
However, even strong muscles cannot fully protect you from impact forces. The most important protections in a collision are always your seat belt, a properly adjusted head restraint, and a vehicle that is in good working order.
No matter what, it is never a good idea to rely on “bracing” alone, and you should always focus on driving defensively and keeping your safety equipment in top condition.
Entrust your damaged car to the professionals
Your car represents a substantial financial and, many times, emotional investment. As such, when it is damaged after a car accident, you want the best repair work possible, and that is where Northwest Collision Center enters the picture.
Northwest Collision Center is a reliable auto body shop in St Petersburg, FL that offers high-standard, professional car repairs conducted by qualified personnel at realistic prices.
Our team understands how stressful an accident can be, and we are here to guide you through estimates, communication with your insurer, and quality repairs from start to finish.
Drivers throughout St. Petersburg, Florida, and the surrounding area can count on us to restore their vehicles as close as possible to pre-accident condition, so you can get back on the road with confidence after a crash.
