It is important for us to be prepared for things like this, for all car owners, especially for those of you who are new on the road. So on Thursday after leaving school, I was reversing out of a parking space when I hit something! I cannot begin to tell you the wide range of emotions I went through in those seconds. Luckily for me I hit a wall!  No I didn’t see it, I was tired and I had a full day, unfortunately that’s not acceptable. A few of my classmates were passing, and said “It’s not that bad” I was so happy that it was not another person’s vehicle that I didn’t even bother to come out and look at the damage on my car. Later I looked and it was minor. So really what should we do if and when we meet in an accident? A lot of people tend to ignore this reality that accidents will happen.

Here is a basic checklist to follow to ensure that you’re prepared if and when this does happen:

1.    Calm yourself down. After a crash, you will feel a wide range of emotions — shock, guilt, fear, nervousness, anger — all of which are normal. But take a few deep breaths or count to 10 to calm down. The calmer you are, the better prepared you will be to handle the situation. This is the time to take stock of the accident and try to make a judgment about whether it was a serious one.

2.    Disposable Camera – You need one! After your accident being that you’re okay, whether you were wrong or the other party, have your camera ready to take shots. Persons tend to be very dishonest and unreasonable here, so have your camera on hand to take pics of the damage, and in the case where the party was at fault, ensure to take pics of where they hit you, positions of the car etc. This is your first evidence for winning your case.

3.    Documents – Have your insurance information ready, this should be well in your glove compartment. Exchange names, addresses, driver's license and insurance information with the driver of the other car. Review your policy to make sure of your coverage. Make a list of questions and related information you want to know.

4.    Report It – You have two parties which you should report this to at all times, they are the police and you insurance company. This may not seem wise or necessary to you. The accident may be minor, you may not want to risk seeing your rates rise or you may live in a no-fault state and think that the other driver's insurance company will pay for everything.

These are the basics of things to do when you meet in an accident. Remember it is reality; things like this will happen, just be prepared and take full control of the situation. You can also speak with your insurance representative as well; they will give you even more in-depth information as to how handle even the major accidents. Keep safe.