On average, there are about 6 million car accidents in the United States every year, of which at least 27% result in non-fatal injuries, and about 6% cause a fatality. These statistics are pretty dire, so it is essential to familiarize yourself with what you can do in the unfortunate event that you are injured in a car accident.
Here is the step-by-step action plan on what to do if you get injured in a car accident:
Call 911
When you get into any car accident, the first thing to do is to call 911 and request medical assistance so that the paramedic can be dispatched, along with the responding police. There are various types of common injuries when it comes to auto accidents. The types of injuries and treatment can lead to establishing different types of damages for these kind of cases.
It is important to remember that you should not leave the scene even if you feel or think that you are not hurt, as traumas from car accidents are not apparent at the outset. The paramedics are medical professionals that are familiar with symptoms of car accident traumas.
Collect The Other Party's Information
Another vital task to do is to exchange information with the other driver. Under the law, both parties must provide the following pertinent information: name, address, phone number, driver's license number, license plate number, make of car, and insurance policy number. The different types of coverage for auto accidents is very important - read our article on these types for further information. There are also often different levels of policy limits that need to be taken into account by you and your attorney when it comes to medical treatment and damages.
It is also vital to remember that you should not negotiate with the other motorist even if they express responsibility for the accident. Negotiations are best left with your legal representative to ensure that your legal rights are preserved and protected. It is not ideal for negotiating during this stage since you may not be aware of the extent of the damage both to you and your property.
Obtain Witness Information
If witnesses are available at the scene, it is prudent to obtain their contact information and ask them if they can remain in the location until they can provide their witness account of the accident to the police.
Document the Accident and the Damages
As with any legal matter, especially in physical injury accidents, documentation is critical. Every detail about the accident and your physical injuries be reported, and documentation can ensure that everything is accounted for. If you have a camera or video phone, you can document by taking a video and photos of the location, injuries, damages, and the vehicles involved.
Assist and Obtain a Copy of the Police Report
A police report is a formal document that is required by most insurance or court claims. Therefore, its integrity must be intact to ensure that it is reliable. Consequently, you must ensure that the police report contains only an accurate depiction of the accident and the extent of the damages, even if it appears to be insignificant. Moreover, please do not sign the report unless you have confirmed its content. These reports are very important to determine who is liable when it comes time for settlement.
It is also advisable that you take the police officer's information and request a copy of the report for your records.
Seek Medical Attention
As car accident injuries may have life-altering or profound implications, it is essential to consult a doctor and get a written evaluation after the accident, even if the injuries are minor or if you feel you are not hurt at all. This is critical as not all trauma is evident soon after the time of the accident.
As documentation is critical, it is highly advisable to document your injuries by keeping a record of any symptoms you may have developed after the accident for several days or weeks. This may include any physical or psychological changes you may notice or even an existing issue or symptoms that may have been exacerbated by accident.
Seek Representation From An Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
Another essential step to take after a car accident, significantly if you are physically injured, is to retain a competent legal representative.
As with any motor accident, the legal process consists of negotiations, paperwork, and claims between insurance companies and third-party lawyers. An experienced personal injury attorney would be able to help you with this complicated process. Still, more importantly, an attorney will advocate on your behalf to get the claim you rightfully deserve.
Note that there are exceptions to the rules and information listed above. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, call our offices to speak with an experienced attorney. Our experienced attorneys at Injury Compensation Law PC can help you navigate the complex legal issues surrounding car accident injuries. Contact us for further details.
