As the name connotes, a car accident is an unplanned event; something no one could have anticipated or prepared for. Our years practicing as auto accident lawyers in McDonough showed us that a car crash is one event that people aren’t ready for. Even if you’ve heard you’re likely to have a collision once in your lifetime; you are still never prepared for it.
This is why most people find themselves at a loss when a crash happens. It also explains why a seemingly minor accident could have severe consequences. So, aside from doing all you can to avoid a traffic collision, you should be prepared for when you eventually get into one.
To help you with this, we prepared must-have items in case of a car accident emergency. If you survive an accident and you’re not at fault, our attorneys at The Weinstein Firm can help you get the maximum compensation. So contact us immediately after the crash.
What Items Should You Have in Case of a Car Accident Emergency in McDonough?
No matter how experienced you are at driving, chances are you may get into an accident. This is mainly because not everyone on the road will drive carefully or obey traffic rules. As such, preparing ahead for a possible accident is crucial. A good plan with the right tools will keep you safe until help arrives and mitigate the impact of your injuries.
Below are some of the must-have items a car should have in case of an accident.
A First Aid Kit
As a driver, you should have at least one first aid kit in your car. You can buy one at a drugstore or put it together based on your unique needs. For example, while a standard first aid kit may not have an inhaler, you can include one in your equipment if you suffer from asthmatic attacks.
A typical first aid kit should have bandaids, gauze pads, adhesive tapes, and disinfectants. In addition, it should have supplies for cleaning and treating skin lacerations or cuts like antibiotic ointment, cotton swabs, and tweezers. Lastly, include essential medications for pain like ibuprofen and aspirin, and depending on the area you’re traveling to, bug spray.
Maintenance Kit
Your car should have an emergency maintenance kit, and you can buy or build one. A standard maintenance kit should have a rope, a paracord, leather gloves, and bungee cords. In addition, include:
- Socket set; every car’s tool kit should include a good, fully stocked socket set.
- Pliers and wire cutters
- Wrench set
- Screwdrivers
- Torque wrench
- Breaker bar
- Impact wrench
- Rubber mallet
- Reflective triangle
- Jumper cables
- Flashlight, etc.
Extra Clothes
Having extra clothes in your car may seem like an out-of-the-box idea, but they are essential. Sometimes, an accident may occur in an area where it might take a while for help to arrive. Now, suppose you’re stuck there in the middle of winter. You stand a chance of becoming hypothermic before the first responders arrive.
But with extra clothing, you’ll have what you need to stay warm. Thus, pack clothing depending on the weather conditions at the time. Standard items of clothing to include are ponchos or raincoats, extra blankets, and warmers for the hands. Lastly, include reflective clothes in case you have to stand by the roadway at night. This way, oncoming cars can see you and avoid hitting you.
Food and Drinks
Yes, you do not plan to get into an accident, but it doesn’t hurt to have extra food and drink in your car. Pack non-perishable foods that can last at least 48 hours. Consider packing foods like high-calorie bars and a dozen 12 oz. water bottles. You can include anything you like but ensure you check the expiry date.
Have an Extra Phone Charger and External Battery
Getting help is always essential when in an accident. Thus, you must ensure that your phone is turned on at all times. To do this, have an extra phone charger in case of low battery and an external battery in case you can find where to use the charger. Another alternative is having a spare phone in case the one you have gets damaged in the accident.
Flares
If you get into an accident at night, you may need to move your car to the side of the road. In such a case, a flare would help alert other drivers of your presence. However, consider lifting the car’s hood or turning on the hazard light if you don’t have a flare.
Contact Us Today!
Were you in an accident that’s not your fault? Our McDonough car accident lawyers can help you recover compensation. Contact us at The Weinstein Firm today to learn how we can help you.
