Four Steps Every Car Accident Victim Should Take
Negligent drivers abound on our highways and byways, and they are often at the root of serious car accidents. If another motorist’s negligence leaves you injured in a car accident, there are four universal steps that you should take to help ensure that you reach your fullest recovery.
One: Remain Calm
While it is easy to say remain calm, it is difficult to do in the aftermath of a violent car accident. Nevertheless, it is important to remain as calm as you can and to assess the situation before springing into action. The first step in the process is to safely pull as far out of the path of oncoming traffic as you possibly can.
Two: Call 911
If the accident is serious, call 911 as soon as it is safe to do so. This call will also generate a call to the police, who will arrive on the scene to help safely direct the proceedings and to write an accident report. Even if you do not think the accident was very serious, you should call the police in order to generate an accident report, which can be important to your claim.
Three: Seek Immediate Medical Attention
If you are offered medical attention by the medical professionals at the scene, accept it. Otherwise, see your doctor as soon after the accident as possible for all of the following reasons:
Even if you do not think you have sustained an injury, it is important to rule out silent injuries that become more serious and difficult to successfully treat with the passage of time.
Early diagnosis is closely associated with improved prognosis (for every type of injury).
Seeking medical attention and following your doctor’s instructions demonstrates to the insurance company that your injuries are legitimate and must be taken seriously.
Four: Document Everything That You Can
If you are able to pull out your phone at the scene of the accident and take pictures and videos that document the accident from every angle, do so. Do not forget to include photos that depict exactly where the accident happened, how the cars are positioned, damage to the vehicles, and your own injuries. Further, take pictures of any of the following that may have played a role in your accident:
Any road construction, debris on the road, or subpar road maintenance that may have played a role in the accident
Anything that may have caused low visibility – such as fog, rain, ice, snow, signage, or low-hanging branches – and, thus, contributed to the accident
The effects of inclement weather on the road and their potential contributions to the accident
Do Not Wait to Consult with an Experienced Killeen Car Accident Attorney
If another driver’s negligence leaves you injured, Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard – proudly serving Killeen, Texas – is an accomplished car accident attorney with the experience, legal insight, and dedication to help. Your case is important, so please do not hesitate to contact or call us at 254-501-4040 for more information today.