You get the call, “I got into a car accident. Everyone’s fine and a tow truck is on the way. Can you come pick me up?” Instant panic and fear rises up from your stomach.

Naturally, you try to get to your loved one as fast as possible, without getting into a car accident yourself. You want to be there for them and make sure everyone involved is actually OK. You wonder how bad the accident really was for the car to need towing, while worrying how much insurance will cover.

Now, you and your loved one’s entire schedules will have to be adjusted until they get their car back. There’s so much to do and so many emotions, it’s hard to process it all, even when you weren’t the one in the accident. Here are a few things to keep in mind when a loved one gets into a car accident.

Stay Calm

After a car accident, emotions tend to run wild. The person in the accident is probably upset, frustrated, and a bit out of sorts. You are the one they called for help, so it’s your job to stay emotionally stable and make sure they don’t forget anything important. It’s easy to let your emotions get the best of you, especially when a loved one has been in a traumatic event, but it’s at these times when you need to be strongest. Take on the role of Emotional Support Person and do your best to be there for your loved one.

Use Your Phone

This may seem counterintuitive as it’s been proven that driving while on your phone can be as dangerous as driving drunk, but it’s how you choose to use your phone that’s important. After an accident, many people go into a state of shock. As the assistant, it’s your job to make sure the one in the accident does everything they’re meant to do and checks off all the boxes. In the heat of the moment, it can be
flustering and frustrating trying to remember everything you’re meant to do after an accident, so send your loved one a simple, ordered list via email or text for them to follow regarding what they have to do with things like putting their hazard lights on, calling a local tow truck company and the police, taking down the other party’s information, gathering their belongings, and taking photos. This will ensure that they won’t forget anything.

Lighten The Mood

After a car accident, there’s so much to do and so much going on. An easy way to keep your loved one safe and in a good headspace is to lighten the mood. Tell them a funny story or joke to remind them that life’s not always so serious, and make sure they know that everything will be OK. They probably feel bad for getting into an accident in the first place and may dwell on it for the rest of the day, so spend some time with them if you can. Once you’ve done all of the important things, be sure they know they’re still loved and mistakes happen.

At Duvall’s Towing Service, we do our best to make the towing process as simple and painless as possible. If you’ve been in an accident or collision in the Lake Worth, Florida area, be sure to stay safe and call Duvall’s Towing at 561-432-8488.