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Learning to drive can be a long winded process and passing your test may take several tries. But once you take to the roads, you are likely to get into the swing of things pretty quickly and you will gain confidence by the day. But it’s important to remember that no matter how good a driver you might be, you may face adverse conditions on the roads or encounter someone who isn’t as good a driver, and you may end up in an accident. You may also experience a breakdown on the road, which can be an overwhelming and daunting experience in and of itself. It’s important that you are aware of what to do in these situations should you find yourself in them. Here’s how to deal with both!
Accidents
If you do experience an accident on the road, no matter how minor, there’s protocol to follow. This slips from many people’s minds in the adrenaline of the moment. However, it’s absolutely essential that you stick to it to ensure that the process that follows an accident can go smoothly and according to plan. First, you need to ensure that you stop. No matter how minor the accident may seem, you can’t just carry on without acknowledging it. Turn your engine off and switch your hazard lights on to alert other road users of your presence. Next, you need to check that everyone is okay. If you are in pain or someone else is injured, call the emergency services. If everyone is okay, you need to swap insurance details with the other individual involved. You then need to contact your insurer and (if you have experienced trauma from the ordeal) a lawyer. Insurers will be able to repair any damage to the vehicle, and an auto accident lawyer will be able to build a case if you believe that another is in the wrong. This could help to secure compensation should you incur medical bills or have to take time off work.
Breakdowns
Hopefully, you won’t have to experience a breakdown while you are behind the wheel. While breakdowns are relatively easy to deal with, you can easily become overwhelmed if you are alone, traveling at night, or on a busy road. Make sure that you have breakdown cover on your vehicle. This will mean that you can call for help and be back on the road as quickly as possible. This is extremely comforting and minimizes the amount of time that you have to spend waiting for assistance. Breakdown cover will supply you with someone who can get your vehicle started quickly or at least move you to a safe place and tow your car to a garage where further work can be carried out.
Hopefully, the above information has helped to give you a little insight into what you need to do if you experience an accident on the roads or if you break down during your journey. Keep the advice in the back of your mind at all times! You never know when it might come in useful!