How to Practice Social Distancing After an Accident

May 1, 2020 10:53 pm Published by Writer Leave your thoughts

With social distancing recommendations in effect, the steps you should take after an accident are slightly altered. It’s still important to obtain all the necessary information and file the proper reports. You may even need to call a tow truck service. However, you should take care of these matters in a way that maintains a safe distance from other parties involved.

If you are in an accident or need tow truck service, take the following steps to handle the situation in a safe and healthy way.

Maintain social distance while exchanging information

If you’re in an accident, it’s important to exchange information with any other drivers involved. Be sure to get their name, phone number, email and insurance information. Under normal circumstances, two drivers may exchange business cards or write down their contact information and give it to each other. To maintain a safe distance, verbally exchange this information. Simply write it down yourself or enter it into your phone.

Contact emergency personnel

If anyone is hurt in the accident, the first thing you should do is call for help. First responders should be called to the scene to assist anyone with injuries and take them to the hospital for further treatment if needed.

Get to safety

If possible, try to pull to the side of the road, out of the way of traffic. If you need to exit your vehicle on a busy road, do so with caution. Use road flares and other notices to alert other drivers to your situation.

Safely use your local tow truck service

If you need a tow truck service, try not to catch a ride with the tow truck driver, since that would put you in close contact with each other in the cab of the truck. Instead, arrange for other personal transportation while the tow truck service takes care of your vehicle.

Document the accident

Take photos of any damage to either vehicle. Maintain the recommended six-foot distance from others while capturing these images. If there are witnesses to the accident, safely obtain their contact information as well and/or get a statement from them about what they saw.

Report the accident

Any time you are in a car accident, you should notify the police of the incident. If they do not come to the scene, you can stop by the nearest police station to file a report. Don’t forget to obtain all the information from the other driver before you leave the scene.

File a claim

If appropriate, contact your insurance provider to start the claims process for any damage to the vehicles involved. Follow their recommended procedures to complete this process.