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Top Automotive Accident Lawyers |
When a
car accident happens, injuries may be severe and emotions may be high.
However, there are important things that must be taken care of both at
the scene of any accident and soon afterward. Following is a list of
things that should be done, if at all possible, when any automobile
accident occurs.
The most important rule for all car accidents is that you should never
leave the scene until it is appropriate to do so. If you leave the
scene of an accident, particularly where someone has sustained injuries
or was killed, you can face serious criminal penalties for being a
"hit-and-run" driver. There is only one exception: If you are hit by
another car in a deserted area, use caution in stopping and getting out
of your vehicle. There have been reported incidents where a person
exited their vehicle in a deserted or unsafe area after being bumped by
another car only to be robbed or killed. Instead of getting out of the
car if you find yourself in that unfortunate situation, drive to the
nearest police station to report the accident. If it turns out that you
were being over-cautious and the other driver had no ill intentions,
you will still be safe.
Check to make sure that everyone else involved in the accident is okay,
before assessing property damage. Get medical attention for anyone who
may need it. If a person is unconscious or complains of neck or back
pain, it is best not to move them until qualified medical personnel
arrive. In some situations, you may have no choice but to move them if
it is dangerous to leave them where they are. If you are in that type
of situation, try to move them as steadily and slowly as possible while
supporting their neck and back. The less movement, the better off they
will be when the appropriate help gets to the scene.
Next, Call the police. Especially if the accident involves significant
property damage, physical injury, or death, you may need to call the
police. Ask that a police report be filed in situations where law
enforcement officers do arrive at the scene, and obtain the name and
badge numbers of any responding officers. Take notes about the incident
and your injuries. Two critical questions in any legal claim after an
accident or injury are: (1) What exactly happened during the incident
that gave rise to the claim? And, (2) What kind of harm resulted?
These questions will arise at many stages of a personal injury case,
and more complex cases can last a year or more, so having a clear
record to refer back to can contribute toward the success of your
claim. The best way to make sure that you preserve every important
detail of your accident or injury is to take notes as soon as possible
after the incident, including what happened and the effects of your
injuries on your daily life.
Taking notes may be the last thing on your mind soon after what may be
a traumatic experience, remember that it will help strengthen your
position in a legal claim for your injuries.
As soon as you can, write down everything you can think of that relates to:
What
exactly happened before, during, and after the incident that led to
your injury -- time and place, weather conditions, who was present,
what was said, how the incident played out, what you experienced and
felt, and anything else that you feel may be important to record.
Extent of your injuries -- what injuries you suffered (physical and
mental), medical treatment you received (past and future), and the
effect of your injuries on every aspect of your work, social, and
personal life. This includes visits to the doctor and physical
therapist, time missed from work, any planned vacations that were
postponed or cancelled, and the effects that your injuries have had on
your close family relationships.
As your claim progresses, continue to keep track of new developments by
taking notes after any conversations with your insurance company,
medical care providers, witnesses to the incident, and anyone else with
whom you discuss important aspects of your case. Write down each
person's name and contact information, the date and place of the
conversation, and as much as you can remember about what was said.
You should continue to chronicle the day-to-day details of your
injuries, including how they impact all aspects of your life, and keep
track of your progress toward medical recovery. Making and referring to
these notes will help you and your attorney throughout the claim
process, and can assist in your effort to receive fair and adequate
compensation for your injuries.
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