Most car accidents happen unexpectedly. But sometimes, what is happening on the road, may be an accident waiting to happen. You could be driving close to a careless driver right in the middle of a bridge, or be stuck in a bad and scary rain or snowstorm and a driver zooms right past you at a breakneck speed.

Car accidents bring about a scary drill that involves crash, panic, heart race, and unending tussles with both the other accident party and the insurance company. The process may become overwhelming, but here’s how  you can prepare yourself from the physical and financial straits.

Understand your Car Insurance Coverage

Learning more about your insurance cover helps you to know the details it covers. For example, check out, in detail, the type of damage your insurance covers and the out-of-pocket expenses to expect. Always ensure your insurance agent reviews the above factors and adds other relevant clauses to the documents. You should also familiarize yourself with your insurance provider claim process. Doing so helps to eliminate surprises in case of an incident and also know the type of materials and documentation the company needs for a smooth claiming process.

Checking your car before driving

The first instructions we receive from our instructors when learning how to drive is to always check the vehicle before driving it. However, after getting the license, few people put the lesson into use, but it crucial to always check the condition of your car. Doing so ensures your safety is not comprised. Make it a habit to check out for any leaks, work on the tail lamps, parking lights and the headlights. Check the tire pressure, rear views, windows visibility, conditions of the wipers and always have the number of your mechanic within reach.

Keep the most critical information within easy reach.

Some car injuries may be serious, leaving the driver incapacitated and unable to give the first responders information like their medical history and emergency contacts. It is advisable to keep photocopies of your crucial documents in your glove box. These include

• List of the currents medications
• Your insurance policy company provider and the insurance number
• Name of your doctor and their contacts
• List of known medical conditions
• Your home and office contacts
• Health insurance details.

Keeping such documents in a place the first responders can find makes it easier to receive better care if involved in an accident.

Keep it slow, keep off distractions and don’t get intoxicated.

Driving slowly keeps you away from potential accidents, and it also gives you enough time to react. You have more control of your car when driving at a lower speed. Operating with both of your hands on the steering gives you control over the vehicle and a better grip. Distractions like texting, picking calls, eating, can lead to accidents. When driving the only thing on your mind should be reaching your destination safely. Driving while intoxicated, this could be medication, alcohol or drugs, risks the lives of those in your vehicle and others on the road.

Know the facts you need to gather

Knowing the information you need related to a collision enables you to handle the situation more calmly. The most crucial details include the registration, model, make, year, and color of the other car involved in the accident since they are critical during the claiming process. Get the driver’s address, name, and drivers license number and insurance policy details. Keep in mind you need to get statements , names and contact numbers of any witnesses around during the crash.

Avoid the situation

The best way to prepare yourself from car accidents is to avoid getting involved in a situation that can cause an accident. Do not force yourself into a lane; don’t let the situations around you distract you, look for an escape route by looking beyond the car or condition that may bring about an accident. Give way to aggressive drivers. Aggressive drivers will honk, speed, tailgate, and even cut you off. Don’t argue with them, stay calm, avoid road rage; the best way to handle such situations is to let them go. The idea is to create a distance between the aggressive driver and yourself to avoid causing an accident.

Always use your car safety Equipment

Your car has safety equipment like airbags and seat belts. Before you even drive your car after buying it, you need to know where to find the airbags. Older cars have their airbags located in the front seats while the newer models have airbags in different places of the vehicle. Always wear your seat belt regardless of the distance. If you don’t practice regular use of the seat belt consider these facts

• In case of a dangerous situation you don’t have time to put on your seat belts
• The law requires that everyone in the car should wear their seat belts
• If you are involved in an accident and you don’t have a seat belt on, your monetary recovery value becomes less due to your negligence.
• Regardless of your reasons for not wearing seat belts, be it too uncomfortable, unneeded, a short drive or not fashionable, using them is proven to prevent serious injury or even death.

Keep all objects in the car safe

If you have objects  in the car always place them on the floor since putting them on the seat may be dangerous. They could slide forward hitting someone, causing an accident, or even injuring the other passengers. Also, small objects like the kid’s car games, craft objects (glue sticks and stamps) should be kept under your front seat or in the boot. Bulky items like big boxes should be tied up together if you’re folding the rear chair and placed well in the trunk. A loose object of 70kg can move forward with a large force and cause a collision.

Use Your Signals Properly

The turn signals play a significant role in showing the direction you plan on taking. It’s advisable to turn the signal at least 30 meters before making your turn. Doing so helps the cars behind to have enough time to slow down and enables you to switch lanes before making the turn. Additionally, ensure you turn off the signal after you changed paths or turned to avoid confusing the other cars.

Get an accident lawyer

Preparing for an accident doesn’t mean just avoiding them. It also means having someone who knows how to defend you in case one happens. Having a car accident lawyer on your side during the court hearing and insurance claims saves you a lot of headache. Car accident lawyers ensure you receive maximum compensation when an accident occurs and prevents the insurance companies from cheating, since they know the loopholes. Lawyers will also have your back if it’s your fault. Having the lawyers number within your reach makes you feel more protected during an accident.

Always ensure you observe high safety standards for you and for other road users. Prevention is better than cure. Keep safe and happy driving.