We will not talk about the causes of accidents on our roads but rather focus right now on how you react as a victim during and after a car accident. This is also an important topic that motorist as well as passengers should take note of as part of safety reasons. If you have not lost consciousness or incapacitated after an car accident, this is not the time to panic. Yes, it is hard not to panic when you find yourself involved in an auto accident, but trust me, that’s the last thing you want to do. So, what do you need to do then?

What to do after you are involved in car accident

Check if you are injured – The shock coupled with the adrenaline going through your body might not make you realize if you have a bleeding temple or sprained shoulder blade. After an accident, the first thing is to check yourself for any cuts, bruises or pains. If you incur any serious injuries, you are in no position to offer any assistance to any other person also involved in the accident, because there is a tendency that you might put yourself and the person you are assisting rather in a worse situation. In the event that you are not suffering any grave injuries, then you can offer help, but make sure that you get yourself checked out properly afterwards.

Check if other people are injured – If the accident involves more than one person and you are in the position to offer assistance, confirm if they are conscious. In the event that they are, administer first aid treatment if it’s needed. If you do not know how to oversee first aid treatment, DO NOT ATTEMPT IT. Once you notice that they other person or people involved in the accident are responding or not responding, make a call to the emergency response team.

Move the vehicles involved in the accident off the road – This is a very important point that should be noted by motorist every time there is an accident whether there are a lot of vehicles involved or just a few. If the vehicles involved in the accident are able to move out of the way of oncoming traffic, please move them to the side of the road to make way for other road users to easy use the road. If the vehicles are not moved away, they tend to cause heavy traffic jams, which could also result to minor accidents in their own way. In Nigeria, it is very common practice for people involved in minor accidents to leave their cars on the road while trying to sort out “Who jam who” (Who caused the accident). This is a very terrible, uncultured and backward behavior that people should stop doing and just moving out of the road to sort out Their issues.


Call the relevant authority – Whether minor or major road accidents, it has to be reported to the authority which looks into road traffic accidents. Ensure that they have the accurate location and situation of both the cars and the drivers/passengers involved in the accident. Also, if there are any policemen around, they could also be of help. In Nigeria, if you dial 112 from your mobile phone, it would connect you to the Nigerian Federal Road Safety Commission. Please, note that this number can only be dialed in times of emergency.

Stay calm – Pending when the emergency unit or fire service arrive the scene of the accident, you and any other person involved in the accident need to stay calm. At this point, there might be a crowd already gathered around the scene, with many of them offering suggestions and opinions. Unless they present identification as emergency response officers, police officers or health officers, please, do not accept anybody’s suggestions. Also, amongst that crowd are people who are looking to score some money and material things. Ensure that all valuable items ( Eg: Phones, wallets, money, wrist watches and neck chains) are kept safe.
After the authorities and safety personnel arrive the scene and everyone is certified as fit and well, and those who need further medical attention should be transported to the hospital. You can take photos of the accident scene and take documents, also have a discussion with the other party involved in the accident if they are available to talk. Finally, find out if your insurance policy covers the accident.

Source: http://www.carmudi.com.ng/journals

incase

From the pictures it appears red cars are always involved in accidents