The World Health Organisation estimates that between 20 and 50 million people are injured or disabled on the world’s roads each year while over 1.2 million people lose their lives. A serious car crash can have a devastating impact on a family. Not only can the car be damaged beyond repair, but injuries can be financially costly.
It’s even worse if the breadwinner dies or gets hurt and is unable to work for an extended period of time. No matter how careful you are when you get behind the wheel, the actions of other drivers can throw your life and those of your relatives into a tailspin. That’s why you need to know how you will respond in the event of a wreck. Here are some of the things you should do.
Cover all your bases
The long-term impact of a crash can depend heavily on what you do in its immediate aftermath. You need to see a doctor even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured. If you are physically able, you should also take photos of the crash scene and road conditions. You shouldn’t admit fault at the scene, regardless of who you believe is to blame. Don’t settle with the liable party either, until any medical treatment is complete. You should also keep records of your injuries, treatment and prescribed medication.
Save for a rainy day
You’ve probably heard this before but you need to do is have an emergency fund. Putting away money for a rainy day is nowhere near as exciting as immediate splurges or discretionary spending. However, accumulated savings will provide the cushion you need for a situation like this. You can use your funds for health care, living expenses or car repairs, depending on your particular needs.
Seek legal recourse and damages
If you and/or your family members are victims of a crash, you may be eligible for compensation. You should enlist the services of a car crash personal injury lawyer to look out for your interests. They can give you accurate information about the legal process and how it applies to your specific situation. They will also help you in your interactions with insurance companies. Their advice will vary depending on the type of accident, its cause and the severity of the injuries.
Know where you can get funds quickly
Whether it’s an emergency credit card, a relative or a line of credit, you need to know your options if you don’t have enough savings. Credit cards tend to have high interest rates and so too can emergency loans so you’ll need to think about this carefully. A family member or close family friend may be more lenient. Just remember that you’ll have to pay back the money regardless of the source. You may also have possessions which you can sell to generate some quick cash. Monetizing a skill you already have may be useful.
Car wrecks are emotionally, physically and financially draining. It will take you and your family time to recover. However, if you plan as much as possible, you can minimize the impact it has.