Finding yourself at the center of an auto accident can be extremely overwhelming, devastating, and in some cases, even life-threatening. If you find yourself in a situation in which you’re ran off the road, there are a few steps to keep in mind and take immediately to protect yourself as best as possible. Whenever you’ve been ran off the road, knowing what to do in a timely manner can make a major difference when it comes to the outcome of your case.
Stay Calm
Anytime you’ve been ran off the road, you will need to remain as calm as possible. Becoming extremely stressed, upset, or anxious can cause you to forget important details regarding the accident as well as the scene where you have crashed. Remaining as calm as possible will allow you to stay focused without feeling too overwhelmed to remain cognizant and aware of your surroundings.
If possible, take photos and video evidence of your vehicle immediately. This is only recommended if you are not seriously injured due to being run off the road by another vehicle. Exchange insurance information with all parties who are involved in the accident or who are still on the scene. If necessary, take down license plate information as quickly as possible, especially if you believe the individual who is at fault for the accident is at risk of fleeing the scene of the crime.
Depending on who is found at fault for an accident, it may be necessary for one or more parties to contact a local bail bondsman. Bail bondsman services are typically only required for those who have been arrested for a particular crime or offense that may have occurred during or before the accident. A local bail bondsman service is ideal for individuals who do not have the cash available to bond themselves out of jail for any crime they are being charged with at the time.
Check Your Vehicle for Damage
After you have been ran off the road and checked yourself for major injuries, you will need to inspect your vehicle for damage. This will include inspecting the exterior and interior while taking photographic and video evidence every step of the way. The more evidence you can collect at the scene of the accident you were involved in, the easier it will be to prove your case once you are filing a claim or taking the defendant who is responsible for the accident to court.
When you are checking your vehicle for damage, be sure to thoroughly inspect the car’s engine as well as any car tire that may have been directly affected by the impact itself. Checking your vehicle for damage also includes inspecting the body of your car or truck for potential scratches, dents, or even areas in which the vehicle is completely totaled. Always be sure to document as much evidence as possible while you are inspecting your car or truck after being hit or run off the road by another driver.
Have Your Vehicle Repaired
Once you have addressed any immediate injuries you have sustained during your accident after being ran off the road, you will need to tend to your vehicle. Whether you need new tires, require new clamps, or if your vehicle’s front end requires a complete replacement, finding a local repair shop or professional that you can trust and rely on is key. The right mechanic will help you to determine if your vehicle is salvageable while also providing you with official documentation that you may require when you are in a court of law. Working with the right local mechanic shop or professional can significantly help prove your case once you are in front of a judge.
Save Money for Repairs
Unfortunately, dealing with vehicle repairs is not always easy or affordable. Saving money for repairs that you may need after being run off the road will help you to feel less overwhelmed anytime you need to access your emergency fund. If you do not currently have an emergency fund or if you’ve been unable to put money aside to save as you go, you can consider selling your engagement jewelry or other household items that are valuable to cover the cost of the repairs you require. Visiting a local pawn shop or researching the items you own online can help you to determine if any of them hold significant resale value and if they are currently in demand.
How to Sell Belongings for Vehicle Repairs
Whether you’re thinking of selling your own jewelry to save for vehicle repairs or if you have other valuables and collectibles that are in-demand, you can visit a local pawn shop to compare your options. If you do not believe you’re receiving fair offers from local pawn shops, you also have the ability to list and sell your belongings and collectibles online. Selling items online can be done via online marketplaces such as Etsy and eBay as well as via social media networks such as Facebook Groups and social communities. Whenever you are selling your own belongings to save for future potential vehicle repairs, be sure to compare all current offers as well as the market demand before setting your own prices and choosing the selling platforms that are right for you.
Go to the Doctor
If you were in an accident in which you were ran off the road, you should seek medical attention as quickly as possible. Seeking medical attention to document potential ailments, injuries, or conditions you have after your accident can also help with proving your case if you are not at fault for the incident you were involved in. Documenting medical issues that are a direct result of a recent accident can also help you if you are interested in pursuing the case legally for financial compensation due to medical bills and emotional suffering.
Seeing a doctor or a medical professional anytime you were involved in a serious car accident is always recommended, even if you do not believe you have been injured or hurt in any way. Visiting a doctor after an accident can help you to determine if you are at an increased risk of developing a concussion or even a venous disease, depending on the type of impact you experienced. When you see a doctor immediately after being hit by another driver, it’s also much easier to keep track of necessary medical documents should any ailment or pain occur later on in the future.
Find Alternative Transportation
After you’ve been ran off the road, you may be wondering how you will now drive yourself to and from work as well as to other areas around town. Finding alternative transportation will likely be necessary whether you attend day schools or if you have a full-time job and family at home. Alternative transportation solutions will vary depending on your current household situation as well as the location you reside in, as some cities provide citizens with increased access to public transportation solutions.
How to Find Alternative Transportation
Being in any type of accident can be devastating, especially if you only have one vehicle to drive each day. While you are awaiting repairs or the ability to purchase a new vehicle, you may need to ask those you know to assist you with carpooling or driving you around town to run errands. Offering a bit of money for gas and their time may incentivize them to help. You can also consider using a taxi or a third-party app such as Uber or Lyft to request a ride to and from work, depending on your budget and the distance you will need to drive each day. Research local public transportation services, such as bus lines, subways, and trains, depending on where you live and your intended destinations.
Inspect Repairs
Once you have the repairs necessary for your vehicle completed, you may want to inspect them yourself. The more familiar you are with how your vehicle runs, the easier it will be for you to determine the quality of work that has been provided by a local mechanic. If you want to learn how to inspect repairs that have been done on your own car or truck, consider enrolling in a local mechanic or welder training class, depending on the areas of interest you are most drawn to when it comes to vehicles.
Move Your Vehicle From the Accident Site
Even after you have been ran off the road and your vehicle has been damaged or in some cases, even totaled, you will still need to move your vehicle from the actual site of the accident itself. In most areas, leaving a vehicle unattended may result in unwanted towing or even unwanted fees and fines. In order to move your vehicle from the accident site after you have been ran off the road, you may need to consider used trailers or contacting a local towing company. Before you determine what type of towing solution is best for your vehicle, you should conduct a quick inspection of the exterior of the vehicle as well as its motor.
Salvage Your Vehicle
In some cases, you may be able to salvage your vehicle or sell it for parts, depending on the type of car or truck you own and the condition it is in after your accident. Salvaging your vehicle is possible by having your car or truck towed by a local towing company or with used trailers. If you’re thinking of salvaging your vehicle after you’ve been hit by another drive, be sure to contact numerous salvage yards and companies near you to find the best offers possible.
How to Find the Right Salvage Yard or Company
Once you’ve made the decision to salvage your vehicle after you’ve been run off the road, you will need to find a salvage yard or company that is willing to purchase your vehicle for its parts. In some cases, this may not be possible if your car or truck is extremely outdated or in poor condition. In order to determine which salvage company or yard is best, research reviews online to ensure a location is reputable before asking for an estimate yourself. Calling a salvage yard directly to inquire if they are interested in a wrecked Corvette for sale or any type of vehicle you own can also help you to save time. This will help you to determine which salvage yard and company is right for you based on the type of vehicle you want to salvage at the time.
Take Time to Relax
Being ran off the road is not only extremely risky and life-threatening, but it can also take an emotional and mental toll on all of those who were involved. If you have been involved in a hit-and-run or if you’ve recently been run off the road while driving at no fault of your own, it’s important to take time to sit back, reflect, and relax. If you notice that you are increasingly anxious, unable to drive, or unwilling to think about the accident due to feeling triggered and overwhelmed, you may need to seek out professional help and guidance from a trusted therapist or local counselor.
Taking time to relax will not only help you to bounce back, but will also prevent you from experiencing a breakdown or any more unnecessary distress. After you have settled your case in court and/or with your insurance company, taking a vacation or time to decompress can help you to get back on track. Hosting a gathering with family members and loved ones while contacting local BBQ services or live entertainers is a great way to redirect your energy and focus. Self-care is imperative for anyone who is involved in an accident, serious or not. The more committed you are to your own self-care as you overcome the accident you were involved in, the easier it will be to return to your everyday life.
When you’re ran off the road, knowing how to maintain a sense of calm while contacting the proper authorities is essential. The better prepared you are for a potential accident or collision, the less likely you are to feel confused or overwhelmed once you are involved in one yourself. By taking the time to familiarize yourself with the process of handling a collision or an accident in which you’ve been run off the road, you will feel much more confident anytime you are on the road and behind the wheel.
