5 Things You Should Keep in Your Vehicle in Case of an Accident

No one wants to be involved in a car accident but if you're in one there are some items that you will need to have in order to document the accident and collect evidence in case there is a problem with your insurance claim or even a lawsuit. Most people are dazed and even in shock after a car accident and might not be thinking about taking steps to protect themselves legally but just after the accident is when it's most important to take those steps. Here are 5 things that you should always have in your vehicle that will help you collect and preserve evidence and also can help you if you are injured.

1. An emergency first aid kit - This doesn't have to be a big fancy kit because chances are if there are any major injuries EMS teams will be on the way pretty quickly but it's wise to keep a first aid kit with bandages, gauze, peroxide and other first aid items in it. You should also have a blanket in y our car to help prevent shock.

2. Emergency flares - If there is an accident in the dark you will definitely want to have some flares to call attention to the accident site and to let people know there is something wrong. Always keep some emergency flares in the trunk.

3. A cell phone - Even if you always carry your cell phone with you keep an extra one in the car. Use a pre-paid phone so that you will always have airtime available and keep the phone on a charger in the car or use a solar powered phone that recharges itself using solar energy to make sure the phone is always charged. Pre-program the phone with emergency numbers for EMS, the police, your insurance agent, an emergency contact person, and your doctor.

4. A camera - This doesn't have to be a fancy or expensive camera. A disposable camera that you can pick up at the drugstore for less than $10 works just fine. Make sure that the camera has a date stamp on it so it's clearly visible that all the photos taken after the accident were taken the day of the accident. Take photos of both cars involved in the accident, just to be sure there is no confusion later.

5. An ID/info packet -This can be as simple as a manila folder or a plastic pouch that has copies of your driver's license, your insurance policy, your car registration, contact information for insurance agent and your insurance company and an emergency contact.