Statistics estimate the odds of a person being in an accident in their lifetime between three to four times. Being in an accident is bad enough for the people involved, but actually causing it is even more stressful. However, when finding one’s self in this situation, do not give in to despair, but rather go into damage control mode. This would allow you to take stock of the situation and diffuse any other scenario that would actually create a bigger mess.

Make Sure Everyone Involved is Accounted for And Safe

The first thing one should do immediately after an accident, whether or not it is your fault, should be to ensure that no further harm would result out of the accident. This would include self-assessment of the extent of your injuries if that is possible at all. Once you have established your own safety it is time to check others who might be in need of medical attention. Start from your passengers or any other unfortunate person caught in the accident. Move the vehicle out of harm’s way if it is in the middle of the road if still operable. Once done, turn off the engine and turn on your hazard lights. Call paramedics or have someone call the authorities as soon as you are able. This is the first thing anyone should do, prevent more harm from coming to everyone involved.

Never Apologize

If you are at fault, save yourself from deeper trouble by apologizing. Saying sorry right after a crash constitutes as being guilty. Just by uttering the word sorry, some will actually recognize it as acceptance of the fault. While at the very aftermath of the incident this might seem to be a very selfish thing to do, you are just protecting yourself from undue expenses and headaches. Do your moral duty in making sure no one is harmed further and then it should be time to think about getting a personal injury lawyer to represent you in proceedings. Just remember that any verbal statement you utter in the aftermath may be used against you, so speak with caution.

Give and Get Relevant Information

When in an accident make sure to give out pertinent information such as name, address, the name of the insurance provider and your contact number to the parties involved. If you are able, take as many pictures as you can of the scene as these may prove invaluable in case word gets thrown around that may not reflect what really happened.

In Conclusion

Keeping a cool head and getting yourself together is key whether or not you caused the accident to happen. Avoid being a hothead and confrontational because this may get you in more trouble than you already are in.