These accidents happen for a variety of reasons. Sometimes one of the drivers is at fault. Other times, the weather or another external circumstance has caused an accident that no one saw coming.

Although a small percentage of accidents are unavoidable, most of them are the result of a driver.

If you want to avoid being in an auto accident, read on for some tips.

Avoid Distracted Driving

One of the best ways to avoid auto accidents is to make sure you aren’t distracted when driving.

This can mean many things for different people. Some people can’t even concentrate if there’s music on in the car. Others are fine holding a conversation with their passenger.

Determine what’s safe for you — however, you should never try to eat when driving, and you should certainly never be on your phone.

Account for the Weather

You should always account for the weather and drive more slowly. Remember that you should brake much sooner when there’s ice or snow.

Many people know to be careful in winter weather, but few are aware that rain is the biggest weather-related cause of accidents! Visibility is decreased, so people crash because they can’t see. Sometimes, they brake too late and end up hitting another car.

If you must drive in bad weather, do so carefully.

Always Think Ahead

You should always try and think ahead when driving.

Keep an eye on lights coming up and drivers all around you. By doing this, you’ll be able to anticipate the next thing coming and less likely to cause a vehicle accident.

Keep Your Distance

Never trust other drivers! You should keep your distance as much as possible when driving because if someone is driving recklessly, you don’t want to be the one they hit.

When behind someone, don’t tailgate. If you tailgate and they brake suddenly, you might slam into them.

This could also happen if the person behind you hits you, causing a pile-up when you go into the car in front.

Never Drive Under the Influence

It’s easy to think that you’ll be fine to drive if you’re only just over the limit, but alcohol seriously impairs your judgment and this is never okay.

It’s not just alcohol though! Check any medications you’re taking and ensure that it’s safe to drive while under the influence of these.

Some medications can have a similar effect to alcohol, or make you drowsy. That’s dangerous on the road.

What Happens if an Auto Accident Occurs Anyway?

If you follow this advice, chances are, you’ll never be in an auto accident. However, a vehicle accident can happen because of someone else or bad weather even if you’re being as careful as possible.

If your car is badly damaged, you might need full-service collision repair. If that happens, consider Limerick Auto Body west of Collegeville, PA. We’ll do our best to get your car back on the road in no time.

We get behind the wheel every day and don’t expect something bad to happen. Driving has become a part of our “normal.” Yet,  approximately 6 million car accidents happen in the U.S. every year.

Car accidents can leave anyone shaken. The adrenaline and fear that comes with being jolted by a collision can leave your head foggy, but it’s important to take immediate action after an accident.

Keep reading to learn more about what you should do after a car accident.

Stay at the Crash and Call 9-1-1

Your immediate reaction when you get into a car accident needs to be to stay at the scene of the accident and call the police. You can protect the scene while waiting for law enforcement by keeping your flashers on. This can help signal to other drivers to avoid the scene of the crash.

If there are no serious injuries that require immediate medical attention, your first priority should be getting a written report from the police. Having an officer present can ensure that an accurate record of the crash is made.

Take Pictures

When you get out of the vehicle, you don’t want to go engage in a heated conversation with the other driver. It is important to maintain a level head as you inspect your vehicle and take photographic evidence of any visible damage.

Taking these pictures will allow you to attach this first-party evidence to your insurance claim. These images and the type of damage created can help indicate who is at fault for the accident.

Exchange Information With the Other Driver

After both drivers are safely able to exit their vehicles they should exchange contact information. Typically, the officer will gather this information as well and you will receive documentation through their report, however, it is never a bad thing to collect this information first hand.

When you communicate with the other driver you want to collect the following:

• Name
• Contact information
• Insurance company and policy number
• Diver’s license and plate number
• Car information

This information allows you to have necessary evidence when discussing with insurance companies. You can alleviate any future tension by going over the facts with the other driver and seeing if either party immediately admits fault. If so, you want to take note of this.

Notify Your Insurance Company

In order to alleviate the headache with your insurance company, you want to report the accident to them as soon as possible. This can streamline the process of getting an official claim and getting your vehicle repaired.

While working with your insurance company, it is necessary to keep an accurate file of all crash-related documentation. Keeping an organized file of documents can help you in the insurance claim process.

Depending on the severity of the crash, your insurance company may inform you to consult your attorney as well. This can help you bring in a professional to protect your rights.

Stay Protected After Car Accidents

Car accidents will leave you shaken, so it is important that you have the forethought to take action even after a collision. By following these steps you can ensure that your insurance company has the necessary resources to help hasten your vehicle repairs.

Contact us to help you handle the vehicle damage after an accident.