Car accidents cause over 33,000 deaths and about 3 million injuries each year, resulting in ongoing effects that can last for years to come. You may suffer ongoing injuries that make you unable to work and result in large medical bills, for example.
What You Should Do
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, there are a number of things you can do to help make sure your interests are protected:
- Get medical help: move to a safe place off the road if possible and get medical help if you or anyone else needs it. In some cases, pain may not be immediately evident, so if there’s any chance at all that you may have been injured, you should go to the hospital or your doctor.
- Call the police: a police officer will take witness statements and file a report that can help provide information about the wreck. It will also contain contact information for people involved in the crash and any witnesses.
- Gather all the information you can: if it’s safe for you to do, get contact information from any witnesses who may not wait until the police arrive. Use your cell phone to take pictures of your car and the other vehicle, including photos that show the damage up close and ones that show perspective on where the accident occurred (at a traffic light or stop sign, etc.) and where your vehicles are located in relation to one another.
- Don’t admit guilt: you may be understandably upset after an accident, but don’t apologize or say that the accident was your fault. Statements that you make without thinking can be used against you later.
- Keep good records: keep a record of any contact you have with your insurance company or the one that covers the other driver. Also, keep track of anything that occurs as a result of the accident, including doctor visits and missed work time. If the other driver was at fault and you decide to take legal action, supporting evidence can help prove the harm you’ve suffered as a result of the accident.
Seek the advice of a car accident attorney: an experienced car accident attorney can help make sure your rights are protected and advise you in any dealings with the insurance companies involved. He or she can advise you about the merits of possible legal action and help represent you if necessary. The legal process can be difficult to navigate and understand without the help of an attorney.
Damages You May Be Able to Recover
If the other driver was at fault, your car accident attorney can help you establish a case against him or her. You may be able to recover damages to compensate you for any injuries or losses you incur. Damages can include monetary compensation for the following:
- The loss of companionship and financial support of a loved one who died as a result of a car accident
- Lost income due to missed work or an inability to continue working in your chosen profession
- Medical expenses, including doctors’ visits, hospitalization, and medication
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage to your vehicle if insurance companies don’t pay
If you’ve been in a car accident and need legal advice or representation, contact a 24/7 personal injury attorney. He or she will act as your advocate and ensure that you understand your rights and options.