According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there will be approximately 31 million visits to an emergency room in the United States due to an unintentional injury this year. Second only to falls, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of emergency room visits. Of the 31 million emergency room visits, more than 4 million of the visits will be the result of injuries sustained during a motor vehicle accident–traffic and non-traffic. It’s no wonder this type of accident is the principal cause of personal injury lawsuits.
Whether you are behind the wheel or you’re a passenger, pedestrian or biker, the danger of an accident looms. In the blink of an eye, your world can be turned upside down. For many, being injured is just the start of their troubles. Property damage, medical bills, and time off from work only add to the litany of issues resulting from accident. Add to that a lawsuit against perhaps a wealthy defendant and an insurance company willing to pay little to nothing towards your expenses, and you have a recipe for disaster.
So what should you do if you or someone you know is involved in a motor vehicle accident?
Here are five important steps to take to protect you physically and legally in the aftermath of an accident:
- First and foremost, stop. At the scene of an accident, you should ensure that you and anyone else involved in the accident is out of harm’s way. This may include warning other motorists of an accident with flares or hazard lights. It also may include pulling someone to a place of safety to prevent further harm.
- Next, call for help. This means calling 9-1-1. This should be a no-brainer, but the stress of an accident can cause even the most astute thinker to panic and lose focus. If no one has a telephone, safely wave down a motorist and ask for assistance.
- Gather Information. As you wait for local authorities or emergency responders to arrive, this is a perfect time to exchange information with the other person(s) involved in the accident. Collect their name(s) and contact information as well as their insurance provider’s name and contact information. If you have a camera, and can do so safely, take photos of the scene and any persons or property involved.
- Seek medical care. Sometimes the injuries from a motor vehicle accident are not readily apparent. You may have suffered trauma only to feel its effects much later.
- Lastly, contact an experienced traffic accident attorney as soon as possible. All of the previous steps will be critical in evaluating your case and, if necessary, taking it to trial. Notably, you do not want to face the judicial system and large insurance companies alone. An attorney can educate you on what to expect in the weeks, months, and even years to follow. Your attorney can also advise you what to say and do so as not to compromise your chances or diminish the amount of financial recovery.
This article was submitted by Pacific Attorney Group.