Car crash accidents can have serious consequences. People can suffer severe injuries or even someone is killed in a car accident, leaving their families devastated. Common injuries from crashing a car include traumatic brain injury (TBI), head and facial injuries, neck and spine injuries, broken bones, internal organ damage, amputation, and burns.
If you have sustained such catastrophic injuries owing to the negligence of someone else, you may seek help from an experienced car accident attorney. They can determine whether you have a viable case, how to proceed with the filing of a lawsuit, and how to pursue compensation for your damages.
There are several common causes of car accidents, such as distracted driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, speeding, reckless driving, inclement weather and unsafe road conditions, driving in the wrong direction, unsafe lane changes and blind spots, not following car seat laws and tailgating.
The financial burden of car accidents can be significant. Medical care is expensive, and if someone can’t work due to the accident, it adds to the strain. Victims may seek financial compensation for medical bills, continuing medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages. However, it’s not just about the money; accidents can also have a profound emotional impact on those involved. It’s crucial to prioritize safety on the road to prevent accidents.
The time immediately following a car accident is incredibly stressful, and people often forget important steps to protect themselves and their rights. Dealing with paperwork and communicating with insurance companies can be overwhelming. Hiring an attorney can be beneficial in navigating the aftermath of a car accident.
If you ever find yourself in a car wreck, it’s crucial to take specific steps to ensure your safety and protect your rights for potential compensation for a car accident. Here’s a concise guide outlining these essential steps. You may want to print this out and keep it in your car for reference:
Stop The Car
That is the law for car accidents. Even if you think there wasn’t damage, you need to stop the car. If you leave the scene of accident, it could turn the collision into a hit-and-run scene and you could be charged with a felony. Stay at the scene until the appropriate steps are taken and all necessary information is exchanged.
When you stop the car, try to move to the side of the road, or a position where you will be safe from any further accidents. Turn on your hazard lights. Assist anyone in your vehicle in doing so as well. Evaluate the scene and decide if you are able to assist anyone else.
Check For Injuries And Report The Incident
Make sure all passengers and drivers are conscious and in non-serious condition. You should provide reasonable medical assistance at the scene of the collision, generally, this means calling an ambulance for anyone injured in car crash. Do not move a seriously injured person unless absolutely necessary because movement can increase injuries. If you fear anyone is seriously hurt, immediately dial 911. Ask for assistance from law enforcement. When you call 911, tell the officers how the car accident happened. Only provide information you are certain, and never speculate or guess as all the information provided will be documented in the police report.
Exchange Info & Take Pictures
It is very important to get all the necessary information at the scene of the accident in order to avoid problems later on. Write down the names, phone numbers, and addresses of all drivers and passengers involved in the collision. Exchange insurance information including the policy number, driver’s license numbers and the registration card of the vehicle but don’t talk to them about your impressions of how the car accident happened. Also get the badge numbers of the police officers at the scene. This can be useful later on if you decide to get a copy of the police report.
Car accidents pictures can capture what a thousand words cannot. Use your cell phone to take photos of the accident scene as well as videos. Take pictures of all of the vehicles involved and any damage at the scene of the accident. Make sure to take pictures of the license plates of all vehicles involved. You may take photos of all involved vehicles, the street or location, any skid marks, stop signs, traffic signals, road signs, road and weather conditions and anything else at the scene that could support your vehicle insurance claim or potential lawsuit.
Identify Witnesses And Gather Statements
Do not forget if anyone saw the collision, write down their name and phone number. Third-party witnesses can be extremely important if there is any question about who was at fault and to support your version of how the accident occurred. You can ask them for a statement. You may also need to provide this information to the police, the insurance company, and your attorneys.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Call the insurance provider as soon as possible to report car accident. An insurance agent can help guide you through the information you need to collect at the scene if you feel unsure. Cooperate with them and let them know if you have been injured. If a police report was made, let your insurance know so that they could obtain a copy. It is also a good idea to review your insurance policy.
Even if it seems beyond obvious to you that the other party is 100% at fault and their liability coverage should pay, that does not mean the other driver will see it that way. By promptly reporting the accident to your insurer, you can better protect yourself in case you later make a claim or if anyone else makes an auto insurance claim against you.
Seek Medical Attention, No Matter How Minor
Sometimes, a car crash injury can take a couple of days to be felt. Unless you are certain you are not injured, you should go to a doctor. Often, injuries are not felt as painful until hours after an accident. Also, you may have internal injuries you are not immediately aware of. Damage from an accident, if left untreated, can lead to significant health risks in the future.
Keep track of any treatment and injuries that were caused by the accident. If you need treatment and do not have health insurance contact an attorney to discuss your treatment options. Do not delay treatment whether injuries were noticed at the scene of the accident or later! Also, keep track of any work missed due to the accident and any other property that may have been damaged in car collision.
Preserve Evidence For Future Claims
You’ll have a better chance of being successful if you have evidence proving negligence. Thus, it’s important to preserve evidence right away. It is important to keep any documentation of the crash, all receipts from crashed car repairs, and all medical and hospital bills. This will help you collect a higher amount of damages in a lawsuit.
Understand the Claims Process
By hiring an attorney, you will be able to understand the claim process and make an informed decision. With the help of an attorney, you can navigate the complexities of post-accident procedures with confidence. By understanding the claims process you will be able to identify insurance policies and sources of compensation that apply to your situation, deal with the insurance adjusters with ease and intelligence and you will be able to keep you case moving with the focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
Consult With An Attorney If Necessary
Contact a car accident lawyer to review your car accident case. Many personal injury lawyers will evaluate your case for free. For more information, call our law firm today!