“Not all who wander are lost.” That famous quote written by J. R. R. Tolkien for The Lord of the Rings hits close to home today. After spending the last couple of months in quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us are anxious to get out and go, and it doesn’t really matter where. May 22 is National Road Trip Day, and a perfect time for you to enjoy the journey, even if you have no particular place to go.With schools and many businesses closed, there is less traffic on the road, but that doesn’t mean you can throw caution to the wind.

• Before heading out, make sure your vehicle is in good running order, especially if it has spent more time sitting in your driveway than on the move. This checklist can help you get road ready.
• Heading out on your Harley? Refresh yourself with these rules of the road for bikers.
• According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the incidence of traffic accidents actually increases during the summer months. Review these important reminders to reduce your risk of becoming a statistic.

In Case of Emergency

Despite everyone’s best intentions, accidents happen. If you are in an auto accident, follow these steps:

• First, check to see if anyone is hurt. If there are serious injuries, or if you aren’t certain, call 911. Don’t move the victims until help arrives.
• Even if there aren’t serious injuries, dial 911 for a serious collision. For minor accidents, call the non-emergency line in your area. Stay on the scene until the police arrive, and ask how you can get a copy of the police report.
• Remain calm. Focus on details and be aware of the traffic and activity around you so one accident doesn’t cause another.
• If the accident was minor, you just need to exchange information with the other driver. First, move the cars away from traffic so you can talk safely.
• Exchange information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Get the driver’s name, address, phone number, insurance provider, policy number, driver’s license number, license plate number, make and model of their car and its color. You can typically get this from their vehicle registration, and need to provide the same information to the other driver(s).
• Resist the temptation to claim fault for the accident, even if you suspect you are at fault.
• Take pictures of the damage to your car, damage to other cars and property, license plates, and any hazards that may have contributed to the accident.
• Contact your insurance provider when you return home or as soon as is reasonable to report the accident.

If you sustained serious personal injury in an auto accident, the aftermath can be overwhelming as you deal with medical and insurance issues. However, if the accident was due to someone else’s negligence, don’t go it alone. Give us a call and we’ll help you determine the next steps to get you the compensation you are entitled to.