What to Do After Car Crash

Being involved in a car crash can be traumatising for anyone. You may be dealing with physical injuries, and you’re certainly feeling emotional fallout from the experience.

But you’ll ned to regroup quickly and take action—especially if you were in an electric vehicle (EV). After all, you’ll have the potential for battery fires and chemical leaks with EV vehicles.

Fortunately, there are ways to navigate the situation effectively. Read this guide to learn what you should do after an accident to stay safe and secure.

Look for Injuries and Seek Help

Immediately following an accident, it’s important to do a visual assessment for injuries. Seemingly minor injuries could be hiding more severe problems, like damaged ribs or organs. And injuries like whiplash can become chronic problems if left untreated. Make sure you see a healthcare provider to get evaluated. The medical documentation could come in handy, too, if you seek legal action.

Reach out to emergency medical services to get help. Remain calm and check on passengers or others involved in the accident. If possible, steer clear of moving anyone to avoid worsening their injuries. If your car is functional, activate the hazard lights, too, to alert others to your presence on the road. This is particularly helpful at night or during bad weather. In these situations, seeing a damaged vehicle obstructing the road can be difficult.

Turn Off the Ignition

If you’ve been driving an electric vehicle, you’ll need to be mindful of specific risks associated with these vehicles. Lithium-ion batteries can cause fires when damaged, and high-voltage electrical wiring can trigger electrocution. Further, the batteries contribute to making heavier vehicles that can lead to stronger impacts during crashes. In response, it’s best to turn off the ignition right away or press the vehicle’s emergency shutoff button. If you hear any noises, like a hissing sound, move away from the car quickly.

Gather Visual Evidence

Don’t leave the scene of an accident without proper visual documentation. Capture the positions of the vehicles and the extent of the damage. Document the weather and road conditions that may have caused the accident. And photograph license plate numbers, injuries, and other pertinent details.

Additionally, plan on saving or exporting data from your EV. This data from a dashcam can point to speed and braking habits leading up to the crash. Get the memory card or otherwise save all footage and data that can serve as evidence if you pursue legal processes. And reach out to a St. Louis personal injury lawyer for help putting together your case.

Contact Insurance

Right after an accident, reach out to your insurance company. Provide all important details, but don’t overstate your innocence or someone else’s involvement. Just stick to the facts. If you have an EV, say so to help the insurance company point you to a reputable mechanic to handle your car’s electric system.

Your car may need to be towed to a repair shop. Only use a tow truck company that’s familiar with EV vehicles, as they need to be moved on a flatbed truck. EVs don’t have a transmission with a neutral setting, meaning the drivetrain or battery could be damaged if transported through traditional towing methods.

Focus on Recovery and Take Time to Reflect

Ultimately, a car crash can cause emotional fallout that feels overwhelming if you’re not careful. That’s why it’s critical to take stock of the experience and reflect. For instance, you may realize that your car needs a better first-aid kit or other emergency staples, like a flashlight or water. You also should have a physical copy of your EV’s shutdown details.

Keep insurance cards or roadside assistance phone numbers in your front console, as well. You may even be able to activate an automatic crash notification within some vehicles that can alert friends or family if something goes wrong when you’re on the road.

Know What to Do After a Crash

Knowing how to deal with a car crash starts with maintaining your composure. Remain calm and move to a safe space right away. Take pictures and access any dashcam footage or data your car may have. Reach out to emergency services and seek medical care to ensure that you don’t have problematic injuries that require ongoing care. And reach out to insurance and legal professionals so you’re able to move forward and get the financial help you need. Take action methodically after an accident so you and your car can recover quickly.