We all hope we never have a car accident, but it’s best to be prepared if you ever do. One of the essential things in your car is a first-aid kit. Another thing that you may want to keep close is extra clothes - especially a rain poncho - since sometimes these accidents can present some very unexpected circumstances. If you need to wait for the police in the pouring rain, a poncho or umbrella will spare you from unnecessary troubles.
According to a car crash lawyer in Birmingham, AL, it may also be good to have your attorney on speed dial if you ever get into an accident and need legal counselling. Of course, some people may even want to keep a cell phone charger or an external battery in their car to make sure their phones are fully charged.
Having a fully functional smartphone may save you a lot of trouble. For example, you can use it to take pictures of the damaged car, your and your passenger’s injuries, the other driver’s car (if you got into a collision), record some witness statements, call a lawyer and an insurance adjuster, note the accident’s details and witnesses’ contact information, etc. Everything you record on your phone at the accident scene can later be used as evidence and help you build a case against the at-fault driver to receive compensatory damages for your material losses and injuries. But let’s start from the beginning.
1. First-Aid Kit
Your first-aid kit should have a complete assortment of supplies, including safety pins, scissors, gauze, tape, band-aids, antiseptic ointments/sprays, etc. It will help you be prepared for minor cuts and scrapes and sprains, breaks, and severe wounds. It should also contain items like adhesive tape or plasters for blisters on your feet from broken glass. Remember that it is mandatory to have a certified first aid kit and an emergency car kit in your vehicle, so don’t take things lightly.
2. Flashlight With Working Batteries
If the power goes out or it’s just dark, and you need to look around, you should have a flashlight in your vehicle and spare batteries. It is also an excellent way to see if there is something on the road, such as a piece of broken glass. Get a battery-operated one, or if you own your car, consider one that plugs into the cigarette lighter. You most likely have your triangle in the trunk, but a flashlight will do you good, especially if you get into a car accident at night.
3. A Blanket
Include a blanket in your car accident first response kit because it will help cover you up even if it’s not cold outside. It can also come in handy as a thermal blanket to keep younger children warm or cover an injured pet.
4. Bottled Water
Freshwater is always preferable to bottled water, but in an emergency, water bottles are meant to be used as a last resort, especially if you have children or pets in the car with you. A water bottle helps hydrate your body if you’re exhausted from an accident and waiting to get help or for the police to arrive.
5. Fire Extinguisher
A fire extinguisher is another essential item to keep in your car. If there is a fire and you need to put it out, having a fire extinguisher in your car will make all the difference. These are available at every local auto parts store and are cheap. While the law doesn’t require you to have a fire extinguisher in your car, it is always best to keep one. You never know when you need to help yourself or lend a hand to another driver in trouble.
6. Jumper Cables
If you have a dead battery or a dead car and need to get another vehicle to give you a boost, jumper cables are an essential piece of equipment. You can purchase these from any auto parts store for less than $15, and it’s always a good idea to keep them in your car.
7. Flares Or Triangles
Flares or triangles are used to warn other motorists if you’re broken down on the side of the road, or you stopped after an accident waiting for first responders or the police. There are a lot of safety hazards in this situation, including cars speeding by, as well as others who may not be paying attention. Having flares/triangles will help drivers see you and avoid an accident.
8. Cat Litter
If you have pets in the car, cat litter is critical to keep handy. You should have a can or two of this with you. It is used for various things, including cleaning up fresh fluids after an accident. You might also want to take a plastic bag to put cat litter in for any spills that you might have inside your car.
9. Emergency Tools
Another essential thing to have in your car is an emergency tool. Place it in the console of your vehicle, and it should be something that is easily accessible. You never know when you might need a screwdriver or a pair of scissors. Moreover, you need tools to release yourself or a passenger from a blocked seatbelt or crack your car windshield/window to get out of the vehicle.
10. Gloves
Gloves are essential to have if you need to rescue someone from a hot car or pick up something dirty that might hurt your hand. You may need to remove the wheel, broken glass, or other accident-related debris, so being prepared with gloves is a good thing.
Bottom Line
Having things to help you in an accident is a good idea, and having more than one item can be beneficial. You should be prepared with the right technology and equipment to help you get out of the situation safely. These items are worth keeping around if something terrible happens or just for your peace of mind. Make sure your first-aid kit and extinguisher don’t go past expiration dates.
