Car Accident Lawyer
No one likes the thought of being injured in an accident. The reality is, however, there are almost 16,500 car wrecks daily in the United States. As a car accident lawyer can explain, it is a much better policy to be prepared and to know the appropriate steps to take in the event of an accident than to wish that you don’t have an accident in the first place. Here is a concise list of steps to take if the unfortunate does occur and you find yourself injured in an accident.
Take Care of the Emergency First
If you are able, contact first responders and listen to them when they comment about the extent of your injuries. After an accident, the average person is full of adrenaline, which tends to mask pain and cause you to underestimate the severity of physical issues. If paramedics recommend that you go to the hospital, do not hesitate to comply. Eventually, everything else related to the accident can be made to fall into place if, first of all, you care for your physical well-being.
Gather the Paperwork
While you may have to leave the scene for treatment, the police, paramedics and witnesses will generate a number of important documents. To the extent you are able at the scene and, afterward, when you are physically well enough to do so, you will want to gather all the information. This should include:
- Contact information for other parties involved
- Police accident report
- Paramedic and emergency room medical reports
- Comments from witnesses
Contact Your Insurance Company
It is important to remember that the firm which ensures you and your vehicle has important contractual obligations to protect your interests in case of an accident. Naturally, this includes any liability you might have. Depending upon the type of policy you have, this may also include medical coverage and vehicle damages. Sadly, insurance companies may place a priority on their financial exposure rather than their clients’ well-being. This brings us to the final—but not least important—step.
Talk to a Vehicular Accident Attorney
Those who are involved in an auto accident typically perceive the event and its results to be cut-and-dried when in fact they are far from simple. Traffic laws regarding responsibility are extremely nuanced. You might assume that another driver is not responsible for the accident when the law has different dictates. You may have legal exposure of which you are not aware. To evaluate these potentials, it is essential to speak with a knowledgeable car accident lawyer.