Experiencing a car accident can be a jarring and stressful event. Knowing how to safely move your vehicle afterward is crucial to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of all involved. Here’s a comprehensive guide from Barnett’s Towing on the steps to take immediately following a collision.
Prioritize Safety and Assess the Situation
Immediately after a car accident, take a moment to assess your physical condition and that of your passengers. If anyone is injured, call emergency services right away. It’s essential to remain as calm as possible to make clear-headed decisions.
Evaluate the Accident Scene
Before deciding to move your vehicle, evaluate the surroundings. Is the traffic heavy? Are you in a high-speed zone? Are you on a busy highway, a city street, or a rural road? Is the area well-lit? Can oncoming traffic see you easily? If your vehicle is causing a hazard by obstructing traffic or is in a dangerous position, it’s advisable to move it. However, if moving the vehicle could lead to further danger, it’s best to leave it where it is and wait for authorities.
Safely Moving Your Vehicle
If you’ve determined it’s safe to move your vehicle, first turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers to your situation. Then, choose a safe direction to move. If you are on a highway, aim for the right shoulder, but avoid crossing lanes of traffic unnecessarily. Proceed cautiously to a safe location. If you’re on a city street, pulling into a parking lot can help avoid traffic, while on a highway, the right shoulder is typically the safest spot.
Once Stopped, Secure the Scene
After relocating, ensure your vehicle remains stationary by engaging the parking brake. If it’s safe to do so, exit the vehicle and stay a safe distance from traffic. If you can, set up reflective triangles or flares to increase visibility.
Contact Authorities and Necessary Services
Call 911 to report the car accident, even if there are no serious injuries. If your vehicle isn’t drivable, contact Barnett’s Towing. We are a local towing company that can get to you quickly, 24/7/365.
Gather Essential Information
While waiting for assistance, share contact and insurance information with other involved parties. Document the scene by taking photos of the vehicles, any damages, and the overall scene. If there are any witnesses, collect their contact information.
Inform Your Insurance Company and Seek Medical Attention
Report the accident to your insurer promptly. Provide them with all gathered information and follow their guidance on claims and repairs. It’s wise to consult a healthcare professional after an accident to identify and document any potential injuries. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, so it’s important that you are examined right away.
Reflect on the Experience
Consider the circumstances that led to the accident and think about any preventive measures you can take in the future. This reflection can help enhance your driving habits and safety awareness.
After an accident, you need towing services you can trust. Barnett’s Towing offers fast, professional, and reliable assistance to get your vehicle off the road safely. Don’t risk further damage or delays—call Barnett’s Towing for quick response times and expert service when you need it most. We provide towing in Tucson, Sierra Vista, Phoenix, Willcox, Benson, and Casa Grande/Eloy.
