According to statistics from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development, the number of car accidents in 2019 has risen by 40% in comparison with the same period from the previous year. These figures are horrifying, and while nobody plans for an accident, especially on their wedding day, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be aware of the steps that you need to take if you have one.
You may already think you know what you would do, but do you really?
Accidents happen in the blink of an eye, and a crash doesn’t even have to be a serious one to cause panic and get the adrenaline pumping. You will have the added pressure of having to inform the groomsmen and guests about the delay in getting to the wedding in time, or in the worst-case scenario cancelling it.
Here’s a guide to what you should do in the event of being in an accident:
1. Deal with the Details
You may be in a rush to get to the wedding, but you need to make sure that your judgment doesn’t get clouded by the accident. It’s important that you exchange details with the other driver. You need to clarify who the car is registered to for insurance purposes. You’ll also need the details of any witnesses to the accident. If you hire a lawyer like 1800vincent.com, they’ll want to know who to contact if you are pursuing a claim to recover any losses and medical care costs that have been incurred as a result of the accident.
Memory has a habit of distorting the finer details, so it’s important that you make notes at the scene. Make a note of the other vehicle’s details while they are in front of you: the model, the color and registration number. How many passengers were in their car? What was the weather and driving conditions like? Use your phone to take photos and record the scene.
2. Inform the groomsmen
It is likely that your partner does not have their cell phone on them if they are waiting at the venue to be married. However, it is likely that the groomsmen or some of the guests have their phones with them and on. Make the call as soon as you can to explain the situation. Depending on the severity of the accident, the ceremony may be able to be delayed rather than cancelled.
It’s important to note too, that if you have been involved in a car accident, it is best to seek medical treatment as soon as you can. You may be able to go to the hospital after the ceremony, but you should not prioritize partying over your health. Insurance firms are always to quick to identify a reason not to pay out, so bear this in mind. They may reject a claim if you have not been to hospital within a reasonable amount of time.
3. Check your wedding insurance policy
Many people now choose to take out wedding insurance. It doesn’t cover for when weddings are cancelled because of one of the parties getting cold feet, but it does cover for events that are beyond the couple’s control. If you have a policy, check the terms and conditions to see what you can claim for. You may find that some costs can be recovered from your wedding insurance policy.
Your wedding is meant to be the happiest day of your life, but if you have a car accident on the way to the ceremony, or after, it can dampen your memories. However, it’s important to remain calm and seek medical treatment for a check over as soon as you can. Try to put the accident into perspective, this is one day, and you will have the rest of your life to be with your loved one.
