Road accidents are shocking, unpleasant experiences with a high cost. Property damage and bodily injuries can occur, whether the driver is at fault or not. In order not to make things worse with our actions or omissions, we should avoid the following ten mistakes.

1. We must not move injured persons from the spot where they are located. If the injured person’s life is in danger, then we must protect them using the minimum and most careful movements possible. Forceful movement, attempting to lift the person upright, or trying to pull them out of the car is likely to worsen their condition. The space inside the car is, most of the time, the most appropriate place for the injured person to wait for first aid.
   
   
2. We must not leave the scene of an accident when there is an injury. When an accident occurs and someone is injured, our first priority must be beneficial intervention and providing assistance. Circumstances can be critical; first aid and immediate medical care can be decisive. The traffic police, the ambulance service (EKAB), and the insurance company’s accident care service must find us at the scene. We are also obligated to place the warning triangle at a significant distance behind our vehicle (Highway Code, Article 29, par. 3).
   
   
3. We must not lose our cool. When faced with an accident, it is important to maintain our composure before deciding to exit our car. The first moments after an accident can be shocking! Remaining in the car offers us safety, protection, and time to think We must move around the accident scene with calmness, genuine concern for our fellow human beings, and composure. A road accident increases the probability of a second accident occurring by 6 times!

4. We must not be rude or aggressive toward other drivers. An accident can trigger intense tension and anger, but it is essential that we do not become rude or aggressive. Courtesy, interest, and respect toward others can help in resolving problems and in facilitating the insurance claims process.

5. We must not cause greater property damage to our own or the other involved vehicles. We must not rush to get out of our car. Before opening the doors, we must consider whether this might cause greater damage. It is better to exit from the side of the vehicle that has not been hit. Unnecessary movements, such as opening the hood, can endanger those nearby, break the car’s windshield, and scratch the bodywork.
   
   
6. We must not obstruct the traffic of other vehicles. If possible, we move the vehicles to the side of the road to a safe spot with the lights and hazard lights turned on. We must place the warning triangle at a significant distance behind our vehicle (Road Traffic Code, Article 29, par. 3).

7. We must not abandon our vehicle. If we are not injured, we do not abandon our car and the scene of the accident. We wait for accident assistance, the traffic police, or an ambulance if there is an injury.
   
   
8. We must not leave the scene of the accident before the relevant statements are made to the insurance companies. We call our insurance agent so that, if possible, we can receive instructions from a person we trust. We must exchange details with the other driver, such as full name, address, and vehicle registration number, and ensure that all involved parties have called for accident assistance. We can collect testimonies from bystanders and record information regarding the location and circumstances of the accident.
   
   
9. We must not forget to take photos and videos of the accident scene and the damage caused to the cars.
   The mobile phone is a valuable tool! We can call our insurance agent and the accident assistance service. We can use our phone’s functions, such as taking videos and photos, recording notes, making phone calls, or browsing the internet, to record data, information, and testimonies that we will need later.
   
   
10. We should not hastily leave the scene by accepting responsibility or by paying out money. The civil liability coverage in our insurance policy will compensate for the damages we have caused. It is a mistake to proceed with side agreements with the other parties involved. There is no reason for us to pay money and compensate those we feel we have harmed at that moment. With composure and the right actions, we make the most of our insurance provisions.
    
    

The above ten rules will help us avoid mistakes and understand the procedures in the event of a road accident. Let’s set the example and ensure we drive with a sense of responsibility and respect toward other drivers, for a world where road safety is a priority.

Dimitris Koutsonikas is an insurance agent, representative of 4U Insurance Consultants, and an economist.