The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that in 2015 there were about 6,296,000 traffic accidents. In 2016, 269 million vehicles were registered in the U.S. and 40,327 people died in vehicle accidents, according to the National Safety Council. There were an estimated 4.6 million injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents treated by healthcare professionals that year. The total estimated motor vehicle accident injury costs were $416.2 billion, including wage and productivity losses, medical costs, damage to vehicles and employer costs.
Here are some items you should have in your vehicle to help you if an accident happens.
Insurance card
You’re probably required by state law to carry proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times. In case there’s an accident you and the other driver can exchange information to help you file a claim. The police officer investigating the accident will also ask to see it. If you don’t have your insurance card, you may be issued a ticket and need to pay a fine. You should also have with you your driver’s license, though keeping it in the car may not be a good idea.
Flashlight
You drive during the day and evening. In case there’s an accident at night you’ll want to see what damage was done to both vehicles. The other driver or passengers in either vehicle may be injured and need help. You won’t be able to be of much assistance if you can’t see anything. The flashlight may also help you flag down other vehicles if you need help. You may be able to use your smartphone as a flashlight but if it was damaged in the accident, if you can’t find it or your battery is low, it may not be a good option.
Seatbelt cutter/window breaker
Chances are slim that you’ll need this tool, but it can literally be a life saver in case you do. In an accident you may not be able to open a door, or your vehicle may be submerged in water. If you can’t release your seat belt, this tool will allow you to cut it so you can get out of the seat. You can also use a different part of the tool to break your window, so you can get out of the car. You may also be able to use this device to help those in the other vehicle.
Road flares or emergency reflectors
As bad as your accident may be, it will be worse if you’re struck by another vehicle afterward. If you can’t move the vehicles and they’re in or near a travel lane, you need to warn other drivers, so they can get out of the way. Flares can be especially effective at night, and triangular, emergency reflectors can be set up in front of the accident scene.
Disposable camera
For just a few dollars you can buy a disposable camera and keep it in your car. In case you’re in an accident and can’t find or use your smartphone, you can use this camera to take pictures of the accident, damage to the vehicles and road conditions. Photos might be critical to determining what caused the accident and who’s to blame. They can be important evidence to use for your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
First aid kit
A first aid kit won’t do much if someone suffers a serious injury, but it can be enough for minor scrapes and cuts. You should be able to bandage those minor wounds until you see a healthcare professional.
Contact list
Write down on a card the names and telephone numbers of important contacts in case you’re not able to make those calls yourself. You can include close family members and friends who may come to your aid in case you’re hospitalized and list your primary physician and your insurance agent.
Notepad and pen
You can write down the name, contact and insurance information of the other driver. In case of a hit and run you could write down all that you remember about the other vehicle, especially a license plate number. Even a partial number, along with a description of the vehicle, may be enough for police to track down the other driver. You could also write down the details of the accident before you forget them. In case you strike a parked vehicle, you could leave a note for the owner with your contact information.
You can’t plan on having a vehicle accident, but you can prepare for one. With these items in your vehicle you’ll be better prepared to prevent injuries to yourself, help the other driver and handle the insurance and legal claims that follow vehicle accidents.
