Car Accident Lawyer
A car accident can be a frightening experience, but it’s important to stay calm and follow these important steps if you’ve been involved in a collision.
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Pull Over And Get Somewhere Safe.
As a car accident lawyer like our friends at David & Philpot, P.L. can explain, the scene of a car accident isn’t a safe place to be. If you’re able to drive your vehicle somewhere out of the flow of traffic, do so carefully and safely. If your vehicle is disabled and you’re uninjured, get yourself and your passengers to safety instead.
A car accident in a busy street or intersection means an increased chance of another accident happening, especially when people are distracted by your accident in the first place. It’s important to prioritize personal safety, so don’t linger at the site any more than necessary.
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Call Emergency Services.
Even if there aren’t any major injuries, you still need to call emergency services. There’s no telling whether or not you’ve actually experienced injuries, especially with all the adrenaline coursing through your system. Additionally, if someone has been injured in the accident, they’ll need medical care as soon as possible.
When you call emergency services, inform them that there’s been an accident, and tell them where it happened. Let them know if there are any injuries, and ask them how long they’ll take to arrive.
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Document Everything.
While you wait for the paramedics, police, firefighters, and any other first responders that are on the way, try to document everything you can about the accident. This means taking photos of injuries, vehicle damage, and the surrounding area. Video is also helpful – just don’t forget to document the damage as best you can.
If you can, collect everyone’s contact information. Make sure everyone’s phone numbers work: In some cases the adrenaline can make people slip up when they share their phone numbers, but in other cases people may try to give you a fake number to avoid any responsibility.
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Don’t Do Too Much Talking.
It can be a balancing act between collecting contact information and keeping your mouth shut. Be careful not to do too much talking to the other parties involved. If you need to go to court or file a lawsuit for damages, anything you say can end up hurting your case.
Avoid doing too much talking, but don’t let anyone else do the talking for you, either. When the police arrive, be clear about what happened and speak for yourself. If another person involved in the accident gives their side of the story, make sure your side is heard so the cops get the full picture.
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Lawyer Up.
A car accident can be frightening, painful, and expensive – and if you weren’t at fault for the accident, you shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket for your injuries and recovery. Fortunately, insurance can cover the cost of your repairs and medical expenses, but there’s no guarantee they’ll pay you enough, or on time.
With the right legal team on your side, you can get the compensation you deserve. Once you’re safely removed from the scene of the accident, contact a lawyer for a free consultation.