Car Accident Emergency Kit
Accidents happen on the roadways, and inclement weather or poor road conditions can leave you stuck in traffic or stranded. The proper emergency car kit can be the difference between being stranded on the road or remaining safe. If you have been hurt while stranded in your car, or if a car manufacturing defect caused your car to break down on the side of the road, the legal team at Hall & Lampros can help you understand your legal rights. Call us today at 404-876-8100 to learn more about your legal options.
What Is a Car Emergency Kit?
Even if you live in a location without dangerous weather conditions, accidents or breakdowns can occur. Roadside car accident emergency kits contain items to keep you warm and safe, alert other drivers that you are stranded, and allow you to tend to minor injuries. Your car accident kit may contain special items that you or your family specifically need, such as an EpiPen or specific medications. A general car accident emergency kit should have the following items:
- Jumper cables (and instructions if you are unfamiliar with their use) and tow straps
- Shovel or pickaxe and gloves
- Compass or portable GPS
- LED flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit, including your EpiPen or other specific medications
- Ponchos or thermal space blankets
- Reflective roadside warning triangles and signal flares or brightly colored flags
- Packaged food, such as protein bars or MREs and bottled water
- Flat tire repair kit, including a tire inflator, a ratchet set, and a car jack
- Fire extinguisher
These items can help keep you warm and alert first responders to the location of your car if you are stranded. If you are comfortable fixing a flat tire, then be sure that your emergency kit has everything you need to do so safely. It is also important to check your first aid kit twice a year in order to make sure that all equipment functions and change any batteries for fresh ones. You should also consider replenishing your food and water stores and other perishables.
Keeping Safe If Your Car Is Stranded
Breaking down in your vehicle can be scary and frustrating, but following the right safety guidelines can help keep you and your passengers safe.
- Move your car away from traffic, if possible, into an emergency lane or the shoulder.
- Call for roadside assistance immediately, either 911 or your own assistance, such as AAA or a program offered through your car insurance carrier.
- Only get out of the vehicle if it is safe to do so. The only exception is if the vehicle is on fire.
- When exiting the vehicle, never stand directly in front or directly behind it.
- Never leave pets, children, or elderly people in an unattended vehicle during warm or hot weather.
If you are stranded due to a vehicle collision, do not move the car. Instead, you should wait for the police to arrive so that they can document the car’s position on the road. You may also wish to contact an experienced car accident lawyer at Hall & Lampros, and ask for advice on what to do and say after your car accident.
The Dangers of Vehicle Fires
Do not try to use your fire extinguisher to put out a car fire. The chemicals in the extinguisher are not meant to put out fuel fires and can actually accelerate the fire. If your car catches on fire, do not try to remove anything except people from the vehicle – a car fire spreads much faster than many people think.
Seek shelter immediately, putting distance or items between you and the car, such as standing behind a tree or bushes. Lay on your stomach and protect your head and neck with your hands. As the car burns, hot metal debris, and glass shards can start flying and can cause serious injury or death.
When To Call a Car Accident Attorney
If your car broke down and you were struck in the road or on the side of a highway, a car accident attorney from Hall & Lampros can handle your accident & injury claim in Atlanta, LaGrange, Chattanooga, Decatur, Marietta, Riverdale and we can possibly help you recover your losses. If you were stranded due to an accident, as a result of another driver’s negligence, a personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal rights. The legal team at Hall & Lampros can help ensure your rights are protected and would welcome the opportunity to visit with you. Contact our legal team today at 404-876-8100 today to schedule your free initial consultation.
Chris has successfully represented numerous clients in catastrophic personal injury, employment law matters, class action, consumer protection, business tort, and legislative matters involving multi-million-dollar damages.