After surviving a road accident, you will most likely have mixed emotions. You might be confused by what happened and still trying to figure out how you have survived. At the same time, you might be angry because you know that you didn’t cause the accident. If you have sustained injuries, you might be in deep physical pain.
Regardless of what happens after the accident, you have to remain calm and composed. It does not help if you panic and act on your extreme emotions. The best thing to do is wait for the authorities to arrive at the accident scene.
If you have not suffered from major injuries and you are capable of moving, stand up and take photos of the accident scene. These photos can serve as evidence in case you file a road accident claim later.
Call your insurance provider as well. Let them know about the incident. If they have specific instructions on what you need to do at the moment or once you have settled, follow the instructions.
What not to do
The worst thing that you can do after the accident is fight with the other party. This will just lead to serious physical injuries and you can be criminally liable. You should also avoid causing further damage to your vehicle or the vehicle of the other party as it could hurt your chances of making a successful road accident claim later.
You must also not leave the site even if you think you are physically fine. To begin with, you are not certain if you have a concussion or other medical issues. You need to wait until medical help arrives so you can have yourself checked. The priority is to ensure that you are medically fit. If you have injuries, they must be treated right away. Also, leaving the site is a sign of guilt. You need to speak to the authorities to tell your side of the story.
Filing a claim
You can file a road accident claim in Gloucestershire if the accident happened in the area. You need to settle with the other party regarding the expenses incurred for both you and the vehicle. When the other party has comprehensive insurance, it won’t be a big issue. However, it will still be subject to investigation as the insurance provider will not just release the money instantly.
You should also get legal advice. It can be quite complicated. You need to go through a lot of steps before you can get the amount you deserve. The same process is true for burn compensation claims.
Ultimately, calmness and composure will help a lot in this trying time. You don’t want to magnify the problem just because you could not control your emotions. You should also be level-headed. Don’t act based on your emotions at this point since you could just get in deeper trouble.