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Car accidents happen for many different reasons, from driver negligence or distraction to impaired driving. Regardless of what happened leading up to the accident, it is of the utmost importance that you know what to do immediately following a car wreck. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, you may be shook up or injured. If this is the case, it is important that you do everything you can to remain calm until the authorities arrive. The steps you take right after a car accident will play an important role in what legal actions can be taken.
Nobody wants to be involved in a car accident or find themselves in the middle of an investigation, but this happens on a daily basis in the United States. Not only can car accidents result in serious, life-threatening injuries, but the experience as a whole can be quite jarring. According to statistics obtained from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are approximately 10 million car accidents every single year. These accidents range from minor fender benders to more serious accidents, resulting in fatalities. To avoid overcomplicating your car accident claim, it is important you understand what to do in the moments, hours, and days following a car crash:
- Contact the Police – First and foremost, it is imperative you contact the authorities right after a car accident. In fact, it is against the law to not call the police after a car collision. There are numerous reasons why it is important to call the police after a car accident, namely because it will help protect you if the at-fault driver does not have insurance or is putting up a fight.
- Seek Medical Attention – If you have been involved in a car accident, it is important that you seek medical attention right away. Even if you do not see an outward of injuries, there is a good chance you or your passengers have sustained internal damages. Make sure you document all medical treatment you or your passengers receive, as this will be an important element should the case go to court. Take note of the date and time you saw your physician, as well as the type of medical care you received and a note from the doctor.
- Take Pictures of the Accident Scene – If you are capable, take as many pictures as you can at the scene of the accident, including your vehicle, the other person’s car, any injuries you or your passengers suffered, and where the accident took place. Pictures will help with the investigation, especially if there was a lot of damage to your car or if someone sustained injuries. Having a visual record of the aftermath of the accident will go a long way in court and help ensure you receive fair compensation.
- Talk to Witnesses – Look around and see if there were any witnesses of the accident. If so, and you are ok medically, talk to them and jot down their name, phone number, address, and a statement about what they saw. If possible, talk to witnesses right away, as the accident will be fresh in their mind and they will be able to give a more accurate account of what happened.
- Contact an Attorney – Car accidents can be extremely complicated, in large part because of the involvement of insurance companies. With this in mind, it is important that you contact a personal injury attorney immediately following a car accident. An experienced attorney will be able to advise you on what steps to take and what your rights are. They also have the tools and resources to track down all the information you need following a car accident, such as your medical records and documentation from the insurance company.
If you have been involved in a car accident in Dallas, please contact Rad Law Firm today. We understand how stressful these types of situations can be and are prepared to help you understand your rights and properly navigate the legal system.
