You may think that a car accident will never happen to you. The reality is that you will likely be involved in a motor vehicle accident at some point in your life. If the motor vehicle accident results in serious injury and the third party is at fault, you will need to work with an experienced lawyer, like a personal injury attorney Arlington, TX relies on. In fact, according to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were 13,675 serious injury motor vehicle accidents reported in one recent year, with 17,152 people suffering injuries.
You must be prepared in the event that an accident happens to you. If you are involved in a car accident, here are a couple things of what to do:
1. PULL OVER AND CHECK TO MAKE SURE EVERYONE IN THE VEHICLE IS Okay
Pull your vehicle over to a safe location of the road and check everyone in your car. If anyone is injured, you need to call 911 and be able to report the injuries. The operator will need to know your location. So, be prepared to provide a street name or other helpful information. The operator will likely ask you questions about the injury and may provide you with instructions.
2. REPORT THE ACCIDENT TO THE POLICE
Failing to report an accident that results in injury or death is illegal. After the accident:
– Stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident.
– Determine whether a person involved in the accident requires aid.
– Give notice of the accident to the local police department.
You must remain at the scene of the accident until the duty to give information and render aid is satisfied. When the police arrive and you file a report, provide complete and accurate information. You can obtain a copy of the police report 10 business days later.
3. SEEK MEDICAL CARE
If you are seriously injured, seek medical care immediately. A serious injury is one that prevents you from moving or is dangerous enough to result in permanent impairment or death if immediate treatment is not received.
If you are not seriously injured, complete the steps above, if possible. As soon as you are able, seek medical care for your injuries.
Keep detailed documentation of your injuries and all of your doctor’s visits. At a later point, your attorney can help you organize this documentation and use it as valuable evidence when proving damages that you have sustained.
4. HIRE AN EXPERIENCED PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER
Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney after you have been in a motor vehicle accident is an important decision. Even if you think that you do not need an attorney, and your insurance company will be on your side, hiring an attorney is almost always within your best interest. Insurance companies have a tendency to offer accident victims settlements that are way lower than they deserve.
Thanks to our friends and contributors from Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC for their insight into personal injury practice.