How To Be Prepared For A Summer Car Accident

Summer is a time for road trips, vacations, and exploring new places. However, with more people on the road and the heat affecting driving conditions, it is also a time when the risk of car accidents increases. Here are some tips on how to be prepared for a potential summer car accident.

Carry an Emergency Kit in Your Car

One of the most important things you can do is carry an emergency kit in your car. The kit should include a first aid kit, a flashlight with extra batteries, a blanket, water, non-perishable food, a phone charger, a basic tool kit, road flares, a fire extinguisher, jumper cables, tire puncture sealant, and pen and paper. Then, in case of an accident, you can use these items to care for yourself and others until help arrives.

Have a Plan in Place

Another essential step to take is to have a plan in place in case of an accident. This means knowing who to call, where to go, and what to do. Make sure you have the phone numbers of local law enforcement, your insurance company, and any family or friends who can help you. Know the location of the nearest hospital or urgent care center, and have a plan for getting there quickly if, for some reason, you cannot rely on calling 911.

Drive Defensively

Summer driving can be unpredictable with increased traffic on the road. It is critical to be vigilant and drive defensively. Keep a safe following distance from the car in front of you, and pay attention to your surroundings. Watch out for distracted drivers, and avoid any risky maneuvers like sudden lane changes or speeding.

Wear Your Seatbelt

Wearing your seatbelt is one of the simplest and best ways to protect yourself in case of a crash. In addition, double-check that all passengers in your car are wearing their seatbelts at all times and that they are correctly fastened. Seatbelts can help prevent severe injuries and save lives.

Stay Calm and Call For Help

When a collision does occur, try to stay calm and remain at the scene. If you or anyone else in your car is severely injured, call 911. If not, still notify the police so that an officer comes to the scene to create an accident report. Stay in your car if it is safe to do so, and turn on your hazard lights to signal other drivers. If it is safe to exit the car, leave your vehicle and move to a safe location away from traffic and wait for emergency services to arrive.

If possible, document the scene as much as possible by taking photos or videos and asking any witnesses for their contact information. This information can be critical to your potential insurance claim. 

If you or a loved one has been severely injured in a preventable accident caused by another party, contact an experienced Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer. They can help you hold the responsible party accountable and recover the compensation you deserve.