No one expects to be in a car accident; however, according to a New York Times article, 1 person out of 84 will be in a car accident at some point during his or her life. While you can’t predict a car accident, you can be prepared in the event of one. Luckily, thanks to the wide spread availability and usage of technology like smartphones, there are a handful of apps that can help you should you be in a car accident.
Help I Crashed My Car
This free app includes patent-pending technology that basically creates a one-click communication network that contacts your chosen 3 “emergency contacts”, your insurance provider and agent, and your preferred body shop. In addition, the app’s GPS technology allows you to locate the nearest police department, ambulance service, hospital, towing company, rental car company, and body or repair shop. “Help I Crashed My Car”also gives you an accident report to fill out to make sure you’re collecting or documenting the correct information. This report plus any photos you take can be sent to your insurance company or repair shop via the app.
Download: http://www.helpicrashedmycar.com/SummitWebApplication/Home.aspx
Auto Accident App
When you’ve been in a car accident, this app offers free on-the-scene live assistance any time, day or night. This app includes step-by-step instructions on gathering pertinent information and evidence at the scene of the car accident. In addition, “Auto Accident App”allows you to take photos, record witness statements (audio), chart injuries, and document the whole accident; all of the collected information (visual, audio, written, etc.) is compiled into one email with attachments so you can send it out to the necessary parties including your insurance company and lawyer.
Download: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/auto-accident-app/id515255099?mt=8
Car Accident Sidekick
This app includes a car accident emergency checklist and a variety of on-the-scene tools such as the ability to file an insurance claim. Other features include:
- The ability to create emergency contacts such as a family member, insurance agent, and body shop.
- GPS technology to help you locate where you are and provide that information to emergency personnel.
- A flashlight.
- An audio recorder.
Download: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.caraccidentsidekick
iCar
Have you ever heard of a car’s “black box”? In newer model cars, it’s a device that is buried deep within the car and records information such as speed in the moments leading up to a car crash. Authorities that determine who is really at fault for a car accident have used black boxes. At this time, there are two big problems with black boxes:
1.) They are only in newer vehicles.
2.) There is a good deal of expense related to extracting and “reading”them making it out of the question for many minor car accidents.
However, thanks to technology, you can construct your own black box. “iCar”basically turns your iPhone into your car’s black box. It creates a visual record as well as uses your phone’s GPS to keep a record of your speed. Using the phone’s accelerometer, “iCar”detects when an accident occurs and asks you if you’d like to save pertinent footage. When a car accident does occur, this app will ask if you want to autodial 911 or a preselected emergency contact.
Download: http://www.21pixel.com/icarblackbox/index.html
WreckCheck
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners designed this app. It guides you through the steps to take immediately after being in a car accident including what information you should share and with whom. “WreckCheck”provides a comprehensive checklist so you don’t forget any important details. In addition, this app uses your phone’s GPS technology, audio recorder, and camera to help you document the car accident, compile the report, and then send the accident report. “WreckCheck”doesn’t just abandon you after an accident; it also includes information for the days following the accident such as tips on following up on your filed insurance claim.
Download: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wreckcheck/id543290503?ls=1&mt=8
Smart-ICE4Family
If you are in a car accident, there is a chance that you will be injured and unable to utilize any of the great apps mentioned in this article. In case of serious injury such as unconsciousness, consider getting this app for $2.99. “Smart-ICE”allows you to record a message with any critical medical information (ex. allergies) that will play when the app is opened or at the push of a button. In addition, this app offers a button that can be pressed to dial emergency services and then set the phone into “Alert Mode”which enables an intermittent alarm sound if you pass out (helping emergency services to locate you). Another great feature of this app is that it offers a wallpaper view meaning emergency personnel can see your contacts or notes even if the phone is locked.
Download: https://itunes.apple.com/US/app/id324520049?mt=8
Insurance App
Many insurance providers are now offering free apps for filing claims whether that claim be related to a car accident or a house fire. The great thing about an app through your insurance company is that it can cut out some of the hassles of filing a claim such as sitting on hold on the phone for hours. Check with your insurance company to see if they offer any kind of app.
If you find yourself in a car accident, your gut reaction may very well be to panic. However, for your well being and the well being of anyone else involved, it is important to remain calm and as clear headed as possible. Use technology to assist you in getting medical help, collecting evidence for an insurance or legal claim, and getting the repairs necessary to get you back on the road.
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