5 February 2018
 Categories: Law, Blog

If you have children, you prepare for everything, especially when you're heading out in the car. However, there's one thing that you probably don't prepare for, and that's an accident. Unfortunately, car accidents happen more often than you might think. If you're not prepared in advance, you not be ready to help your kids through the traumatic event. It's important to remember that even a fender bender can be traumatic to a young child. The best way to protect your children is to be prepared in advance. Here are four things you should carry in your car at all times.

Change of Clothes

If you have little kids, you should always have a change of clothes in your car. If you're in a car accident, you may need to change their clothes. After all, you never know when they're going to spill something on themselves, soil their pants, or even get a small amount of blood on their clothes. Being left in their soiled clothes will only add to the traumatic nature of the event. Keeping a change of clothing in the car will allow you to get your children into clean clothes as soon as possible.

Care Packages

If you have little ones, they're going to be upset after the accident. That's why it's important to include a small care package in the car. Your care package should include a small stuffed animal for each of your youngest children, and something special for your older kids as well. If all your kids enjoy a good stuffed animal, include one for the older kids as well. Having something soft to hold on to can help relieve some of the stress and fear.

Blankets and Yoga Mats

After an accident, your kids may need to sit on the sidewalk for a while. Unfortunately, sidewalks can be quite uncomfortable, especially for a child who's fearful or traumatized. To help keep your kids warm and comfortable, be sure to always have a couple blankets and at least one yoga mat in your trunk. That way, your kids will have something soft to sit on, and blankets to wrap up in while you all wait for help.

Emergency Contact Numbers

After a car accident, you might not be able to find your cell phone right away. However, you'll want to be able to make your phone calls as soon as possible. Be sure to keep your list of emergency contacts written on a piece of paper and stored in your wallet or glove compartment. Your list of emergency contacts should include family members and your doctors. It's also a good idea to always have the number of an accident attorney on hand. You'll want to make contact with an attorney as soon as possible. Having the number on you will help reduce some of the stress of trying to find one while you're worried.

Contact a group like Randall A. Wolff & Associates, Ltd for more information.