Smartphones have made our lives significantly easier. We can communicate with others, search for things on the Internet, and save important moments by taking photos. These are just a few basic smartphone functions. Mobile technology is advancing at a rapid pace, so smartphones rely on innovative technology like 5G connectivity and artificial intelligence.
A smartphone is more useful than you think. Did you ever imagine that your smartphone can help if you’re in a car accident? Well, it is. Keep on reading to discover the things you didn’t know your smartphone could do.
Call For Help and Report the Incident
If you or someone else were injured in the collision, call for help immediately. It’s the fastest way to report an accident and get emergency medical help. National emergency numbers are still in use, alongside 112. Even if you believe an injury is minor, you should still call for help. You’re not a healthcare professional, so you’re not able to recognize the signs of a more serious injury.
If there are injuries, you’ll want the police to be at the scene of the accident. Let the operator know that. The police report will come in handy when it comes to submitting an insurance claim. It contains the details of the crash, statements from drivers, passengers, and witnesses, not to mention the officer’s findings or conclusions.
In the old days, becoming involved in a car accident meant having to wait a long time for help to arrive. You had to walk countless miles to find a phone booth and wait for another driver to come and pick you up. Things are different now.
Call the national emergency number and go to the hospital, or call your family. If the police issue citations to the other driver, it will support your claim that they’re responsible for what happened. In some countries, you can share your location with emergency services automatically. It’s crucial to configure the emergency system ahead of time.
Take Photos in The Wake of The Accident
Smartphone manufacturers have decided to add more cameras to their products. Each camera has its own type of lens with a fixed focal length. Your smartphone camera is always with you, so you can take advantage of it whenever you find something you want to photograph. Speaking of which, take photos at the accident scene, emphasising the damage to your car.
The photos will give you the evidence you need. If possible, take a snap of the other driver’s licence plate number. The police may fail to obtain accurate contact information from that person, so your photo will make it possible to find the driver. Even if the car accident is chaotic and confusing, the photos document what happened.
More often than not, investigators are stuck with the task of figuring out what happened using other evidence. If you’re trying to prove a claim, this could make things more complicated. Use your smartphone to take pictures or even make a quick video of the damage and the accident scene. It’s best to move nearer to the subject to create close-ups than using the phone’s zoom feature.
Before you take a single picture, make sure your gear is in order. Clean your phone camera lens using a napkin or a cotton shirt. Using your device’s portrait mode, you can get a better shot. Even the most basic smartphone comes with a high-end camera. A two-megapixel camera can take photos and record videos.
Use A Notes App to Record the Details You Need
There are many things to remember right after the collision, so make sure to record relevant pieces of information. If you take notes often, you already have a dedicated app on your smartphone. Google Keep is available on most devices. Write down the details you need. In case you didn’t know, you can share the records with others. Tap the three dots to find the option. You can convert a full note into a Google Docs document, so you’ll automatically have a copy.
The most important information you need is the full name and contact information of the other driver, their insurance company name, all the vehicle model details, and the time and place of the accident. Equally important is to get the contact information of the witnesses. Give them your phone number and have them call you.
No matter the nature of the accident and the injuries you sustain, if you pursue a personal injury claim, you’ll need evidence. Notes will help the insurance company understand the severity of your injuries. Google Keep can be used as a diary. In personal injury cases in the UK, the claim for compensation must be made within three years of the incident. Don’t waste any time and find witnesses to support your case. There will be no extension to this time limit.
Take Your Own Personal Statement
To keep your data fresh, use your smartphone to record your own personal statement. Provide your account of what happened and show how the car accident affected you. Don’t focus on the details of the collision but on your physical, mental, and financial status. You can discuss how you feel. If you want to emphasise the financial consequences, go right ahead. The injuries may prevent you from returning to work temporarily or permanently.
At present, you don’t have to carry a portable voice recorder to record short reminders. You have one right inside your smartphone. When you start recording, make sure the microphone is pointed in your direction. Also, see if your hand is covering the mic. Have the microphone positioned away from your mouth so that you have a guarantee you capture a clear audio recording.
The background noise might affect your recording, as it will pick up nearby sounds. Unfortunately, it will be harder to understand the recording. Ideally, you should record in an environment that is as quiet as possible. Set your smartphone on a soft surface so it doesn’t rattle. Last but not least, set your smartphone to Aeroplane Mode so that you don’t ruin everything.
