What Should I Keep in My Car in Case of a Car Accident?

So far in 2018, there have been roughly 100,000 car accidents in Florida. With such a staggering amount of Florida car accidents, how can you best prepare for one yourself? 

With these important items in your glove box or trunk, you’ll be as prepared as possible to deal with the aftermath, should you or a loved one be involved in a car accident.

 

Important Documents

In Florida, it is required for drivers to have a minimum coverage of $10,000 personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 property damage liability (PDL). You should keep your insurance information on your person or in your vehicle at all times, as well as your car registration, health insurance and a list of emergency numbers for reference.

 

First Aid Supplies

It can take a bit of time for emergency vehicles to reach the scene of an accident. Keeping a first-aid kit in your car can help you keep any possible accident injuries under control while help is on the way, or even just treat small scrapes and bumps from a minor crash. It is also a good idea to keep some non-perishable food items, a gallon of water, a blanket and other necessities if you get stuck for an extended period of time after an accident.

 

A Portable Charger and Notepad

With much of society reliant on our mobile phones, there may come a time during an accident where your phone could be dead. Keeping a portable charger in your vehicle can ensure you have way to recharge. Your smartphone is a great tool for snapping photos for damage verification for insurance and reports. It’s also a great idea to keep a notepad and pen in your vehicle for writing down accident information regarding the other driver, important notes about what happened, or even instructions from emergency personnel.

 

Accident Tools

Keeping tools such as a flashlight, jumper cables, folding shovel, a road flare, a compact fire extinguisher and an auto escape tool can be helpful in the case of an accident. In case you need to navigate in the dark, signal your location, or escape from your car submerging in water, you will be as prepared as possible with these tools.

 

Not sure what to do after an accident? Check out this post-accident checklist for important first steps to take should an accident occur. Or, if you’ve been in an accident and are looking for legal advice about what to do next, contact us today. Or learn more below about our work with car accident cases in South Florida.