In 2016, nearly half a million car accidents were reported, with a death toll of 3,623 in the state of California alone; these numbers have since only increased for the worse in the last two years. As inattentive drivers and use of unauthorized substances continue to be the leading causes behind these accidents, it makes sense to have a clear understanding of the steps that you should take in order to handle a car accident situation in the best way possible, should you be unfortunate enough to be in one.
Call 9-1-1
Depending on the severity of the accident and the extent of the injury, you may need to call 9-1-1 before taking any further steps from your side. Immediate medical attention might be essential in order to ensure the recovery of the people involved in the accident and it may even be the difference between life and death. Additionally, the medical reports (admission dates and times, prescriptions, medical bills and receipts, diagnostic reports such as X-rays, MRI scans, etc.) will be essential evidence, if you have a case for claiming personal injury compensation from the guilty party.
Beware of violent reactions from the other party involved in the accident and in such scenarios, do not leave your car until your 9-1-1 call is answered and help arrives.
Call Your Lawyer
Contacting your lawyer should be the next course of action, right after contacting 9-1-1, so that he/she can guide you on how to proceed in order to ensure that you have all the evidence necessary to sue the guilty party later on. If you have been part of a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, even if it is the driver of the car you are in, you are eligible for financial compensation for the personal injuries caused to you. Therefore, the more evidence you have to support your claim, later on, the better.
If the accident takes place within the jurisdiction of San Diego, you have the option to contact a San Diego Personal Injury Lawyer by consulting with the Personal Injury Lawyer San Diego law firm. Trusted by and featured on famous media outlets such as the NBC, Fox, CBS, and ABC, they offer free consultations and will not charge any fees whatsoever on being unable to collect the compensation you deserve.
Call Your Emergency Contact
After calling the police and the ambulance, you also need to call your emergency contact for help. Even when the injured party seems fine, it is not safe to drive again or even walk alone, until a certified doctor confirms that there is no physical or mental trauma big enough to limit such actions.
Right after an accident, the shock and confusion are usually so much that people react irrationally and often make serious mistakes. However, by memorizing, or even writing down the steps discussed, chances are that you will be able to counter some of that aftershock with a series of organized steps to make the best out of the situation.