What to do if you get into a car accident? (Car Accident Aftermath) Let's be aware of this!

No matter how careful we all are when we are on the road, sometimes accidents can happen that we don't even think about, right? No matter how big or small, a car crashing into another vehicle is never something anyone likes. However, it is very important that you know exactly what to do if something like that happens, without panicking. Because the decisions you make at that time can have a big impact on your safety, the safety of others, and any legal matters that may arise later. So, today we will talk about how you should behave and what to do if something like a car accident occurs.

What should you do immediately after an accident?

Imagine that you are driving and suddenly have an accident. It is normal to feel anxious and worried at that time. But even in the midst of that anxiety, there are a few things you should do first. If you do these things correctly, you can reduce even a big problem to a small extent.

• First, try to calm down: Yes, I know it's not easy. But, take two or three deep breaths and count slowly to ten. Only when you calm down can you think clearly. If you panic, you will make more mistakes.

• Check for injuries: Next, check for injuries to yourself. Check for injuries to those in the vehicle with you, the drivers of other vehicles, and anyone else nearby. Sometimes, even minor injuries may go unnoticed in the excitement of the moment.

• Call 1990 (Sri Lanka's emergency ambulance service) immediately: This is the time when you need to act quickly. In the following situations, you should definitely call 1990 :
• If someone is injured (even if it's a minor injury, it's best to seek medical advice).
• If the vehicle's `(Airbags)` have inflated. `(Airbags)` have deployed usually means that the collision was a bit more severe.
• If your vehicle is too damaged to drive.
• When you call 1990, the dispatcher will ask you a few questions. For example, where you are, how the accident happened, and if anyone is injured. Answer these questions clearly and calmly. Do not hang up until they tell you to stay on the line until help arrives. Follow their instructions.

What should you do next? (If the danger is small and the surroundings are safe)

Okay, if no one needs emergency treatment, the danger is not that great, and you feel that the surroundings are safe, there are a few things you can do next. But remember, your safety and the safety of others comes first.

• See if you can get the vehicle off the road:
• When an accident occurs in the middle of the road, it creates a major obstacle for other vehicles and increases the chance of another accident. Therefore, if possible, carefully pull your vehicle over to the side of the road or to a nearby parking lot. However, do not leave the scene of the accident for any reason. It is also against the law.
• But here's something very important. There are some situations where you shouldn't move the car. For example:
• If someone is seriously injured or trapped inside the vehicle.
• If there is traffic on the road that makes it too dangerous to drive the vehicle.
• In such a case, leave the vehicle where it is and wait for help to arrive.

• Put on the hazard lights:
• Turn on your vehicle's hazard lights. This will alert other drivers that there is a danger.
• If you have a warning triangle or an emergency flare, place it a little behind the vehicle, where it can be seen by others. This will help them know about the danger in advance.
• Then, get out of the vehicle as carefully as possible and stand as far away from the road (on the side of the road) as possible, in a safe place. Even if you are on the side of the road, be aware of the direction of traffic.
• Imagine, if you are unable to get out of your vehicle, or if you feel it is not safe to get out (for example, on a highway), stay inside the vehicle with your seat belt fastened. Turn on your hazard lights, call 1990, and wait for help.

• Report the accident to the police:
• This is definitely something to do. If someone is injured, or if there is significant damage to the vehicle, when you call 1990, the `dispatcher` (telephone operator) will usually also notify the police. The police will then come and make a `report` about the accident.
• However, if the accident is minor and no one is injured, sometimes the police may not even come. However, it is still a good idea to call the police and file a report about the accident.
• If the police do not come to the scene of the accident, you should exchange information with the other driver, then go to the nearest police station and file a `police report` about the accident. Having a `record` in this `report` will help you a lot later when dealing with `insurance companies` or if you have any other legal issues.

• Share details with other drivers:
• This is also very important. Ask the other drivers involved in the accident for these details:
• Full name
• Permanent address
• Phone number
• Driver's License Number
• The name of their vehicle's `Insurance Company`
• That is the `Insurance Policy` number.
• Vehicle License Plate Number (Registration Number)
• If writing down these details seems difficult, don't worry. Take a clear photo of their driver's license, insurance card, etc. with your smartphone. It's much easier and there's less chance of getting the details wrong.

• Keep a record of what happened:
• Write down how the accident happened as soon as possible, if not immediately after it happens. Or record it as a voice note or a note on your phone.
• The date and time of the accident.
• The weather conditions that day (such as whether it was raining, sunny, or whether the road was wet).
• The location of the accident (exactly the road, something like a nearby sign).
• How do you remember what happened before the accident and how it happened?
• If possible, take some photos of the accident scene. The location of the road, the location of the vehicles (especially if you had to remove the vehicles before the police arrived).
• Take photos that clearly show the damage to your vehicle and other vehicles. If possible, make a video.
• If there were any witnesses to the accident, see if you can collect their names and contact info (such as a phone number). What they say may be important later.
• Every little detail you collect will help insurance companies make a decision about the accident and determine who is responsible. So do this without being lazy.

Take care of your health after the accident.

When an accident happens, sometimes we can be so shocked and overwhelmed that we don't notice any minor problems in our bodies. However, if you experience these symptoms a few days, or even a week or two after the accident, it's important to see a doctor and get checked out .

• Body aches, especially neck and back pain (possibly due to conditions such as whiplash).
• Headache, dizziness.
• Numbness in the limbs.
• Chest pain or difficulty breathing.

There are some injuries, for example, `(Internal Injuries)`, that are not visible from the outside but can be present inside. Also, if you hit your head, you can develop a condition called `(Concussion)` (a minor injury to the brain). Symptoms of this may not appear for a few days. Therefore, do not take it lightly, saying 'it's just something minor'. It is best to see a doctor and get some tests done if necessary.

What to do about the stress that occurs after an accident?

Being in a car accident can be a huge stressor, not just for your body but also for your mind. Whether the accident is minor or major, you may experience the following:

• Feeling constantly afraid and anxious.
• Thinking about the accident over and over again, having bad dreams.
• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia).
• Not being able to focus on things like before.
• Sometimes, a fear of driving or even traveling in a vehicle (`driving phobia` or `travel anxiety`) can occur.

First, understand that it's very normal to feel these kinds of feelings. You're not alone. The best things you can do at a time like this are:

• Talk about your feelings: Talk about your feelings with a trusted friend, family member, or adult, such as a teacher. Talking to someone about your feelings can be a great relief.
• Get professional help: Sometimes talking to friends is not enough. In that case, it is very useful to talk to a `counselor` (psychological counselor) or a `psychiatrist`. They can help you overcome this situation.
• Take a defensive driving course: Some people may feel less confident about driving again after an accident. For such people, taking a `defensive driving course` every few years can help refresh their driving skills and rebuild lost confidence. This will not only improve your driving, but it may also be a small bonus for your car`s `insurance`.

Shall we remind ourselves of what we talked about? (Take-Home Message)

Okay, so let's remind ourselves of the most important points we've discussed, shall we? Because if you have these things in mind, it will be easier for you to act without panicking if an accident happens.

• Stay calm and take a breath: Don't panic immediately after an accident, take a deep breath and calm your mind. It will help you think clearly.
• Safety comes first: Think about your safety and the safety of others first. If you are injured, call 1990 immediately.
• Remove the vehicle safely (if possible): If possible, move the vehicle off the road to avoid causing further damage or disrupting traffic. If not, leave it safely and call for help. Never leave the scene of the accident.
• Record details, take photos: Details of the other driver, how the accident happened, photos of the damage to the vehicles – all of this is very important later.
• Be sure to report it to the police: Even if it's a minor accident, having a police report is very important for legal purposes as well as insurance purposes.
• Be vigilant about your health: Don't ignore any minor illness or pain that appears even a few days after the accident. Be sure to see a doctor.
• Mental health is also important: If you are feeling stressed, scared, or anxious after an accident, don't be shy about talking about it and seeking professional help if necessary.

We all hope that dangerous things never happen to anyone. However, being aware of such things will help us avoid unnecessary trouble at any time. Be careful everyone!

Car accident, car accident, after an accident, emergency, first aid, road safety, insurance