Written byAccidents can happen to anyone, regardless of how cautious one is. Whether it’s a fender bender, an unexpected collision with wildlife or something more serious, having an idea of what to do can help you navigate the situation calmly.
So, we’ll discuss how to deal with common accidents safely and efficiently. The aim here isn’t to hit you with a bunch of don’ts — it’s to ensure you’re ready, should you ever get caught in one of these scenarios.
What to Do If Another Driver Hits You
If you’re struck by another driver, remain calm and exchange insurance information. Also, take note of their demeanor — if they’re very nervous or aggressive or they’re looking to leave the scene as soon as they can, they might not have insurance or a valid license. In that case, get the police involved.
Even if the damage appears minor, it’s still wise to report the accident and have it on record. You never know when some concealed damage may rear its head down the road.
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What to Do When You Hit a Deer or Other Wildlife
In the United States, thousands of drivers collide with deer each year, especially during fall mating season. And let’s face it, these accidents can take a toll on your car and put you in harm’s way.
Knowing who to call if you hit a deer is just as important as knowing how to handle the immediate aftermath.
First, pull to a safe spot and assess your ride for damage. But if you see the animal, whatever you do, don’t come near it. A wounded deer can be dangerous, and you want to remain safe at this point.
If your car has significant damage — leaking fluids, broken lights, or a crushed hood — don’t attempt to drive it. Call for help and report the accident to the police, especially if the animal you hit is blocking traffic.
What to Do After a Parking Lot Accident
Car accidents in parking lots occur all the time. With so many cars coming and going and people walking around, it is easy to misjudge a turn or back into somebody.
If you look at another car parked next to you in a spot and see that you’ve caromed off its side, don’t just drive off—that would be a hit-and-run, even though the scrape is probably minor. But first, see if you can find the owner. If you cannot, leave a note with your contact information and take pictures of the damage to keep for your records.
If someone damages your parked car and doesn’t leave a note, ask neighbors whether they have security cameras or whether they witnessed whatever happened. Next, contact your insurance company to report the damage.
What You Need to Know About Hit and Run Situations
Getting into an accident is stressful enough as it is, but when the other driver just takes off, it’s even worse. If this happens to you, don’t follow them — that can get really dangerous. Instead, get as many details as you can, such as:
- The make, model and color of the car
- The license plate number (note that even a partial number may assist)
- What they were running towards or away from
Call the police and file a report, and contact your insurance company. If there are any witnesses, obtain their contact information as well.
Document Everything
Regardless of how minor the accident may seem, always document the scene. This is critical for insurance claims and any disputes that may emerge later.
Take clear photos of:
- The damages your car has endured
- Any other cars involved
- The scene around the collision (such as traffic signs, skid marks, and road conditions)
Also, log information such as the time, place and weather conditions. If other vehicles or drivers were involved, exchange insurance and contact information. Be courteous but don’t accept blame — even if you believe your actions were to blame. Leave that step to insurance companies to sort out.
Importance of Being Prepared on the Road
Accidents don’t suddenly happen to “bad” drivers. They can occur to anyone, even if you’re extra cautious. The roads today are full of distractions — texting drivers, unpredictable weather, even high-tech cars that may fail to react quickly enough.
And although self-driving technology is improving, we remain far from vehicles that prevent all accidents. So until that day comes, it’s up to us to remain prepared. What to do in an accident isn’t just about being responsible; it’s a matter of protecting yourself and your passengers.
The Best Way to Prevent Accidents: Defensive Driving
If we’re being honest, avoiding accidents altogether is a lot better than knowing how to handle any of it. That’s why we need defensive driving. It’s not about just obeying traffic laws — it’s about being aware of your environment and being prepared for the unexpected.
First, minimize distractions as much as possible. That means putting the phone down (no reading notifications at red lights) and keeping music at a moderate volume and avoiding eating while driving.
Keep a distance, always, between you and the car ahead of you.
Be particularly careful in situations like driving in inclement weather or areas with abundant wildlife. During the nighttime, crank up your high beams when traveling on rural roads so that you can see as far ahead as possible, but always be on the lookout for movement off of the side of the roads.
At the end of the day, crashes are a part of driving — and nobody likes them, but they happen.” The good news is that there are steps you can take that will help you take some of the stress out of the situation.
The biggest things to remember are staying calm, documenting the scene and knowing when to call for help. Of course, practicing defensive driving could prevent you from being in an accident to begin with.
And the goal isn’t merely to get from point A to point B — it’s to get there safely. So, stay aware, stay ready and drive smart.
