Roads across North Texas see thousands of traffic accidents every year, from minor incidents to serious collisions. As one of the most common types of legal cases handled by attorneys, car accident claims affect drivers across the state. Even those vehicle accidents that seem minor at first can lead to unexpected complications later. Fortunately, having a plan in place can make a difficult situation far more manageable.
8 Steps to Take if You’re Involved in a Car Accident
No matter how severe, car accidents can be scary. In fact, most people involved in accidents experience disorientation, confusion and panic. As a result, it can be difficult to know what to do immediately after an automobile accident occurs. Hopefully, you’ll never have to go through the experience of a car accident, but if you do, here are some helpful steps to take from the pros at Lucé Law, PC.
1. Make Sure You Are OK
Immediately after an accident, it can be tempting to try to move around. However, if you are injured, this may make your situation much worse. Head, neck and back injuries do not always present immediate symptoms such as pain, and injured people often end up compounding their injuries by trying to move right away. If you are unsure of your status, it’s important to remain still until you’re inspected by medical professionals to avoid further injury. If you must exit your vehicle due to impending danger, such as fire, do so as carefully as possible.
2. Check on Others Involved in the Accident
If you are able to safely do so, check on any passengers in your vehicle, as well as people in any other vehicles involved in the accident. When possible, assist others with first aid care, but again, try not to move anyone yourself unless they are in imminent danger.
3. Call the Authorities
Once you have ensured that everyone involved in the accident is in a safe place, you need to call the authorities. This may mean dialing 9-1-1 in the United States or the local emergency number available. A police report is also one of the important pieces of evidence needed after a car accident to protect your case.
4. Exchange Information
Unless severe injury prevents it, the next step is to exchange names, contact details and insurance information with the other driver. Avoid discussing fault or apologizing, as this could influence the result of a future claim.
5. Document the Scene
Images taken at the scene of the accident could support your version of events if there are disputes with the other driver or the insurer. Make sure to take photos of the cars, vehicle damage, road conditions and debris.
6. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel OK or have only minor injuries, it’s important to see a professional for a medical evaluation. In some cases, soft tissue injuries or whiplash will not be apparent until some time after the car accident.
7. Notify Your Insurance Company
Soon after the accident you’ll need to report it to your insurance company. At this point you should give basic facts, such as the time and location of the incident, the vehicles involved, and any injuries you’re aware of. Make sure to speak with an auto accident attorney before accepting any quick settlement offer.
8. Speak With a Car Accident Attorney
Finally, you will want to contact a car accident attorney, such as attorney Joe Lucé, for assistance. An accident attorney will be able to investigate all of the evidence gathered by the authorities responding to your accident, and this may help you to gain financial compensation for medical expenses, property damage and more.
Speak With a McKinney Car Accident Attorney Today
Most accident attorneys offer a free consultation for individuals who have been involved in car accidents, and in many cases, they can also represent injured individuals in court. If you’ve been injured in a car accident and you’d like to speak with a car accident attorney in McKinney, contact Lucé Law, PC by calling (972) 632-1300 or request a free legal consultation.
