A tiny group of cells that changed my world

A tiny group of cells that changed my world
Click on the image to find out about what the Pituitary Gland does

About Me

My photo
I'm in my 30's, which to me sounds very odd. I only feel like I'm in my 20's and definitely not a grown up. I have spent the last 7 years battling with my health; firstly spending 2 years getting a diagnosis for a tumour on my pituitary gland which was causing Cushings Disease; then spending the rest of my life dealing with a pituitary gland that doesn't work. However, I have a fantastic family and an amazing boyfriend who I live with and adore - they keep me going and inspire me to try to make the most of life and my life in general.

Wednesday, 8 February 2012

My poor car!

Yesterday afternoon someone crashed into the back of my car. I slowed and stopped for a red light and the guy behind me didn't stop! I took his details, but I wish I had had a better idea of what to do in this situation. Here are some steps you should follow in the event of a minor accident:

Steps

  1. Look for the other driver's license plate number, make, and model. There's a chance that the other driver may drive off, so it's good to immediately look at the back of their car, say their license plate number out loud, and keep repeating it until you can write it down.
  2. Turn on your hazard lights.
  3. Call the police as soon as possible. You might be under the impression that the police is called only if it's a major car accident or if somebody's hurt, when in actuality the police should be called no matter how minor the accident, particularly if repairs are going to be needed. The police report will help the insurance companies determine who is responsible for paying.
    • Ask the police if you should cautiously move the car out of the travel lane, if it will move and it is safe to do so. Do not move far lest the other driver think you are running away.
  4. Get out of your car only if outside your car is reasonably safe or safer than in it. In a minor accident, your car is unlikely to be at risk of catching fire. Do not step out into fast-moving traffic--go out the opposite door if necessary. The police will be able to direct traffic away safely soon. Be especially careful at night. It is much better to have someone hit your car with you in it than to have him hit you unarmored. And it is much better to fail to attend to someone's minor injury very soon or to lose a witness who could say who should pay for car repairs than to have someone hit by a car.
  5. Make sure nobody is hurt. Check yourself and the passengers in your vehicle for any injuries, scratches, bruises or disorientation.
  6. Look for witnesses. If the accident happened in sight of a pedestrian, shop, or other drivers, ask them to stay on the scene until the police arrive so that they can provide statements. If possible, get their name and phone number.
  7. Exchange information with the other driver. The following information should be exchanged:
    • Names, addresses, telephone numbers
    • Driver's license numbers
    • Each driver's automobile insurance company (including name, address, phone number, and policy number)
  8. Tell the police officer exactly what happened. Be specific and don't exaggerate.
  9. File a claim or a notification with your insurance company. There are insurance claims and insurance notifications. The last one is when you do notify your insurance company about the accident but do not claim repairs of your car. Depending on how high your insurance access is you might save a lot of money and no-claim years too. Example: replacing an indicator light unit at a local garage instead of claiming it on an insurance might save you something like £250. But do notify your insurance company about the accident anyway!


No comments:

Post a Comment