Car Essential 101: Car Accident Emergency Kit

Car accidents can happen anytime, anywhere to anyone when they least expect it. No one ever knows how they will react immediately after an accident and this couldn't be more true for us some three weeks ago.

Indulge me while I set the scene for you:

• I was not driving instead I was being driven this particular morning to the train station by the husband
• This is our very first accident and husband has never ever lost any points on his licence nor has he made any car insurance claims
• It was a clear cool morning - no fog, no rain, etc
• We were at the entrance of the parking area and there was a huge 4WD in front of us. We patiently waited for the driver in that car to get her spot. Her reverse lights came on and we couldn't reverse back because there was traffic. She persisted with her reverse and husband honked several times to get her attention but to no avail
• 'Bang!' We got out of the cars, no visible damage on her 4WD and there was damage to our front bumper
• This is what really pissed me off: Husband who self-proclaims to be a 'organised virgo' cannot locate any paper / business card or pen to write down this driver's details. He opened every single compartment of his car and got more flustered by the second, I on the other hand remained very calm (we are good like that - we really balance each other in tense situations)
• I got out of the car and took 2 photos on my iphone  - the first with the woman standing next to her car which clearly captures the model and licence plate and the second with the damage on our front bumper
• Husband finally found some scrap paper and a pen that was not dried up and got her to write down her details. This woman remained calm and apologetic. After details were exchanged, we all went out separate ways
• When I got to the office, I emailed the photos to the husband for his records

Fast forward 3 weeks, insurance company can't locate her and the contact numbers provided led nowhere either. In fact, they rang me yesterday and asked if I were the driver(?!) so I told them very clearly and curtly that I am not and that if they so desired photographic evidence, I will willingly provide. They apologised and we hung up. 

Husband undertook some investigative work to see if he can find alternative contact details - Google, Facebook, etc ...

This woman has a very unique name - so unique to the point where no one can pronounce it except her family, we think. Anyhow, there might be a break through, she may be working at a 'company' that I am familiar with and have a good working relationship with the boss. I have left a message for the boss and hope that she will be able to verify for me if this person is indeed an employee and that she drives this particular model of car which carries this particular number plate(I have no intention of dragging the boss into the picture now do I want to speak with this woman). We will then provide the phone number of this 'company' to the insurance company for their follow-up.

What has this taught me?
It's time to put together a Car Emergency Accident Kit (besides the ones that comes with the car like a spare tyre, tools to change one, first aid, etc):

A small canvas bag
Take a small canvas bag that is durable that can stay inside your vehicle at all times. Fill it with the items that will be listed below. Once you have filled it, find a permanent place in your vehicle where you can keep it so you will be ready in the event of an accident.

Checklist
The checklist is one of the most important things you will keep in your kit. Write down the most important things you need to check or ask immediately after an accident. 1) Check for injuries, call 000 if necessary; 2) Look at vehicle damage and determine whether it is a safe area to stay; 3) Take pictures of the accident scene before moving either vehicle 4) Don't say anything to the other driver (other than exchange of information) until police arrive; 5) Ask for driver's license, insurance and vehicle information. This checklist will provide a guideline to keeping your cool during a very stressful and sometimes scary time.

Basic Stationery that works!
Keep a pad of paper, a capped pen and a pencil in your bag at all times. Have the list of necessary information already filled out, with blanks next to them to be completed. Write down the following for the other party: Name, Driver's License Number, Address, Phone Number, Date of Birth, Their Insurance Name, Their Insurance Policy Number, Their Insurance Phone Number, License Plate Number, Make Model and Year of Vehicle, Color of Vehicle. Having this filled out in advance will save time and will keep you from forgetting all of the information you might need.

Take photographs
Take lots of pictures. A picture is really worth a thousand words in any accident. Try to take pictures before you leave the immediate area of the accident- take photos from the front, rear and both sides of each vehicle, as well as any pictures of the road in relation to the vehicles or any landmarks that stick out and make the exact point of impact easy to recognize. Also take pictures of street signs and lights from your vehicle's point of view as well as the other vehicle's point of view. This can help determine fault if the question ever comes up at a later time. Once you move your vehicles, take more pictures of the damages that were done, as well as of any injuries.


Flashlight
Keep a flashlight in your emergency kit just in case the accident happens at night. You want to be able to see if anything is leaking from your vehicle to determine whether or not it is a hazard to stay close, also you want to be able to examine yourself, passengers or others involved for injuries. Keep the flashlight in your first aid kit so you can have easy access to all emergency supplies that may also be necessary.


Emergency Contact Numbers
Keep a list of emergency phone numbers in your cell phone, in your glove compartment and in your emergency kit. You never know if part of your vehicle will be demolished, and you may not be able to tell people who to call in case of emergency. Keep a list of phone numbers including loved ones to be contacted, personal physician information and health insurance information (if you have insurance).


I will be putting it together this weekend while the husband attempts to put aside what he needs to bring on our holiday next week.