The numbers are sobering…each year approximately three million people in this country are injured in car accidents, with two million of those suffering debilitating injuries. On average, another thirty thousand victims lose their lives each year in car accidents.
If you’re injured in a car accident, follow these steps immediately:
Take a deep breath and try to remain as calm as possible. Check yourself first—do you feel any pain, dizziness, numbness, or difficulty moving? If you have passengers, check on them as well. If anyone is unconscious or severely injured, avoid moving them unless there’s an immediate danger, such as a fire.
If you’re unable to move due to pain or injury, stay put and wait for emergency responders.
Always call emergency services, even if the accident seems minor. Provide clear details regarding your location, the number of people involved, and any apparent injuries. Stay on the line with the dispatcher until they advise you to hang up.
If you yourself are unable to call, ask a bystander for help.
If the accident is in a dangerous area, such as the middle of a busy road, try to move to a safer spot if it’s possible without worsening your injuries. If it’s not possible to move, turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
If possible, put out flares or warning triangles to prevent further collisions.
This is very important. Avoid at all costs apologizing or making statements such as, “I didn’t see you” or, “It was my fault.” Stick strictly to the facts when speaking to the police, the other driver, or any witnesses.
Fault will be determined later based on evidence, so it’s extremely important not to unintentionally take the blame.
If you’re able to use your phone, take photos and videos of your injuries, damage to all vehicles involved, and the overall accident scene, including traffic signals, skid marks, debris, and weather conditions. Note the license plates of all involved vehicles.
If you’re too injured to take photos, ask a witness or passenger to help.
Exchange details with the other driver, including full name and contact information, insurance company name and policy number, vehicle make, model, and registration number, driver’s license number, and the location where the accident occurred.
If the other driver is uncooperative, or flees the scene, try to note their license late and any identifying details about their vehicle.
If there are any witnesses, ask for their names and contact information. A witness statement can be helpful if there’s a dispute about what happened. Ask them to stay until the police arrive, if possible.
Even if you feel okay after the accident, adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries, such as whiplash or internal bleeding, may not immediately show symptoms. If there are paramedics at the scene they can evaluate your condition, but it’s best to visit a hospital or doctor as soon as possible.
Be sure to keep all medical records, as they will be important for insurance claims or future legal action.
Report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible. Stick to the facts—do not speculate about injuries, and especially about who was at fault. If the insurance company asks for a recorded statement, it may be best to consult a lawyer first, especially if you’re injured.
If you were injured in the accident, a personal injury lawyer with the necessary experience, staff, and resources can help you understand your legal rights, deal with insurance companies, and seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you or a loved one sustain a personal injury from a car accident, contact the attorneys at LaSalvia Law. We will fight to win you the compensation you deserve.
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