subject: Tips From A Va. Beach Personal Injury Attorney After A Car Crash [print this page] There are over 6 million vehicle accidents in the U.S. yearly. Approximately 2.5 million injuries and about 30,000 people are killed in vehicle accidents. Annually, the rates go up. More and more, individuals are getting hurt, if not killed, from car and truck accidents.
Unfortunately, most of us will suffer this type of incident at some time. That is why it is important for us to know certain things that will provide significant help when we are in a car or truck crash.
Remain at the scene of the accident.
If you are in an auto accident involving injury, or significant damage to property, stay at the crash scene until law enforcement get there and say you that you can go. There are laws requiring individuals involved to stay put and wait for law enforcement to arrive and investigate. Leaving the scene of the accident can get your license suspended, or worse, your behavior might result in criminal charges.
Protect the injured.
If you are skilled in providing medical care, administer it if somebody is hurt. However, it is good to bear in mind never to move an injured individual, unless not doing so will cause further injury. Ask for someone to contact law enforcement and report the crash. The person to contact the police should inform that people are injured, and if possible, the number of persons injured so that there will be enough emergency personnel to respond to the accident. If the accident occurred on the roadway, turn on your flashers, or use flares to warn approaching traffic of the accident.
Get information.
In any accident, it is important to get information that you will use later on, especially during your insurance claim. The following are the information you should know:
The other driver's name, address, driver's license number, insurance information, and license plate number.
If there are witnesses, get their names, addresses, and telephone numbers.
Ask for a business card from the police officer who investigated the traffic scene. Also get the "incident number" so that you can obtain an accident report. Most officers will provide you with the information even if you don't ask.
Take note of the location: the road conditions, speed limits, traffic control devices, the weather, and the lighting.
Take note of how the accident occurred: the direction of travel of the vehicles involved, and what the cars are doing at the time of the accident. It is significant to note that you will be asked to share your notes with the person you are suing or the person who is suing you if the accident may result to litigation.
Never admit liability.
Even if you believe you are at fault, do not admit liability. There may be other factors which you don't know that may turn the fault to the other driver. Do not make statements, on print or tape, to anybody at the accident scene, except for the police. Nevertheless, when speaking to the police, tell them only the facts of what happened. Let them make their own conclusion from the facts.
Seek medical care.
See a doctor. There are statutes in every state pertaining to what the insurance can cover. If you do not see a doctor, you might find later on that the insurance company or the other driver involved in the accident may argue that your injuries were not related to the accident. In addition, the "adrenaline rush" from the accident can mask symptoms, which a physical examination can otherwise reveal.
Tell the doctor your symptoms, any loss of memory, headache, blood or fluid in the ear, dizziness, disorientation, ringing in the ears, nausea, confusion, or any other unusual physical or mental feeling. It is best to be safe. Report your symptoms so that a medical expert can rule out the possibility of a much greater damage.
Dealing with automobile accidents can be overwhelming, especially if you are not aware of the legalities regarding this problem. So if you or a family member is a victim or have suffered from an automobile accident, it is better to have a reliable and competent lawyer to assist you in your claims. A personal injury lawyer will provide you the opportunity for a fair outcome, as well as recover damages that you deserve.
