Automobile Accidents: How to Keep Your Cool

Whether your vehicle was hit by another vehicle or you unintentionally caused a wreck, keeping calm after an automobile accident can be difficult. It can be tempting to jump out of your vehicle and start yelling at the other driver. This temptation can become even more intense if the other driver does not stay calm. Unfortunately, this anger can spiral into a physical confrontation, which you definitely want to avoid. There are several things you can do to avoid losing your temper after a car accident.

  • Instead of focusing right away on blaming anyone for the accident, check to be sure everyone in your vehicle is alright. Provide medical treatment for all occupants of your vehicle to the best of your ability.
  • Call the police to report the accident right away. If you know you will not be able to control your temper with the other driver or drivers, stay in your vehicle until the police arrive.
  • Before getting out of your vehicle, rehearse in your head what you are going to say to the other driver or drivers. Stick to that script as closely as possible.
  • Realize it was probably an accident. Even if the other driver was doing something like reading a text, not paying attention, or even intentionally causing an accident, getting angry is not going to solve anything.
  • If the other driver approaches your vehicle in an angry manner and you fear a physical confrontation, stay in your vehicle, keep all the doors locked, and keep all the windows rolled up. If needed, roll down your window a little to talk to the other driver. Wait for the police to arrive before getting out of your vehicle.
  • Avoid accusatory language. When the police arrive, state the facts, and allow them to resolve the issue.
  • If the other driver gets angry, avoid following their example. Get back in your vehicle to wait for the police to arrive if needed.

While staying calm after an accident solves some problems, it will not heal physical injuries. Contact us if you were injured in a vehicle accident caused by another driver.


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