From the moment we receive our first driver’s license, it seems like our lives are a non-stop car ride from one destination to the next. With so much time spent behind the wheel, there are a number of items that no vehicle should be without—particularly in the event of an accident or emergency. Consider the following seven motorist must-haves before you hop in the next car, and be sure to contact Garrett, Walker, Aycoth, and Olson right away if you suffer injuries in an accident.
Spare Tire & Jumper Cables: Flat tires and dead batteries are an inevitable part of life. Another inevitability is that these components will fail at the worst possible time. Avoid hassle and hazards by keeping a replacement tire and jumper cables on hand at all times—you never know when you will need them.

1. First-Aid Kit: Whether you injure yourself in an unrelated incident or are involved in a car accident, a first-aid kit may be necessary at a moment’s notice. Many retailers sell pre-packaged first-aid kits with everything you might need to address minor medical issues, so be sure to stock up before your next trip.
2. Flares: If an accident happens at night, it will be difficult for oncoming traffic to see the involved vehicles, particularly if the vehicles lose power and the hazard lights stop working. Utilizing hazard lights and flares warns oncoming vehicles of your presence and helps keep accident victims safe from additional injuries.
3. Phone Charger: There is nothing more frustrating than being lost or late with a dead cell phone by your side—except, perhaps, being stranded after an accident with no way to call for help. As a motorist, it is always a good idea to keep your phone charged prior to any major trip, as you never know when you will need to make a call. Nowadays, phone chargers for automobiles are relatively inexpensive, and most adapters are equipped with USB compatibility to charge a number of devices on the road.
4. Food & Water: Many survival experts recommend keeping water and energy bars in the trunk in the event you become stranded or lost. And, depending on the weather, an insulated blanket and heating packs may not be a bad idea either.
5. Vehicle Owner’s Manual: Every car is different, and a dashboard light that meant one thing in a former automobile may mean something different in your current model. Also, the owner’s manual may offer certain insights into why the car is malfunctioning and how to troubleshoot the problem so you can get home safely. If the vehicle is unable or unsafe to drive, the owner’s manual may also offer a phone number to call for assistance.
6. Important Contact Information: One of the most important things to keep handy in the car is a list of important phone numbers and emergency contact information for at least one other person. If you are in a serious accident, this card can help emergency responders locate family members as quickly as possible. Likewise, be sure to list your own identification on the card in case EMS is unable to locate a wallet or other identifying information.

Contact Garrett, Walker, Aycoth, and Olson Right Away if You Are in an Accident

If you suffered injuries in a recent auto accident and would like to discuss your options with a car accident lawyer, please contact Garrett, Walker, Aycoth, and Olson in Greensboro, North Carolina today at 336-379-0539.