Millions of Americans get into their cars every morning in hopes of beating the morning traffic. What they usually don’t expect to happen is for them to end up in a car accident. A car accident in the United States occurs every 60 seconds. Although car accidents kill hundreds of individuals every day, thankfully there are many more who survive. However, given these odds, it is almost inevitable that you could be involved in an accident. This may not always mean a catastrophic collision – even mild fender benders are accidents that may require police and/or medical response. In order to be prepared for these instances, a California car accident attorney advises that it is safe to always include these following items in your car in case of an emergency.
1. First aid kit - a first aid kit should be a standard staple in any household or car. It includes bandages, antibiotic ointments, gauzes, aspirin, sanitary wipes, and other on-the-spot relief tools.
2. Blanket – to be used as a source of warmth and heat in case a passenger or driver goes into shock after the accident
3. Road flairs – these traffic signalers can help on-coming traffic vehicles realize your accident situation and steer clear of the accident site
4. Reflective triangle – many vehicles come with the reflective triangle (usually found in the trunk) which can be placed on the road as an indicator like the road flairs
5. Disposable camera – nowadays with digital cameras and smart phones that have built in cameras, a disposable camera may not be needed, however, a recording device should capture pictures of any vehicle damage, the scene of the accident, and any injuries you may have sustained
6. Pen and paper – Though simple, having a pen and paper on hand can be imperative in helping you to record and take down any information you may need from the other driver(s) involved, the police, and/or witnesses.
7. Bottled water and energy bar (snack) – the Police attempts to respond to every single accident report as quickly as possible, but this is not always a guarantee. Therefore, it is smart to carry around an emergency stash that can keep you hydrated and alert in the midst of your accident.
8. Cellular phone – it seems unnatural if you do not have a cellular device nowadays, but in the case of an emergency, it is extremely crucial to have one in order to contact the necessary individuals in the case of an accident, i.e. police, ambulance, a car accident attorney or other services.
9. Emergency contact numbers – you should keep a list of emergency contact numbers either stored on your phone or in the glove compartment in order to reach all necessary emergency personnel or relative after the accident. Moreover, if you or a loved one are seriously injured, unconscious, or in a critical state, the list of emergency contacts can help paramedics and police to call the right people for you.
I have seen the devastating effects of thousands of car accidents and has prepared this list to help you be prepared no matter what situation arises. If you or a family member has been involved in a car accident, please contact the Law Offices of Ledger & Associates for a free consultation.
