Personal Injury

More than 16,000 fender benders happen every day in the United States. Luckily, a large portion of them includes just property harm – harm to the vehicle rather than the passengers. In any case, one out of three accidents includes personal injury, and out of that number, two out of each ten accidents lead to major injury. 

Below are some steps you should take to better help yourself if you are ever in a car accident:

1. DO NOT LEAVE. Never drive away from the area of an accident, even if it seems minor. 

2. CREATE A SAFE SCENE. You can stop any further damage or accidents by creating a safe accident scene like setting off flares and keeping your hazard flasher lights on. If your lights no longer work, try to keep a flashlight on hand to light the handicapped vehicle. 

3. CALL THE POLICE. Even if there are no visible wounds on your or others involved, it is still smart to call the police. You may require a police report to record a case with your insurance agency. The vehicles engaged with the accident ought to remain where they are, except if they interfere with traffic. 

4. TAKE AN ACCURATE RECORD. If you keep an accurate record of events, once the police show up, you are able to tell the examining officer(s) precisely what occurred. If you don’t remember exactly what happened, let the officer(s) know. Try not to hypothesize or figure any of the realities. If you are asked whether you or anyone with you is harmed, and you aren’t 100% positive you aren’t, say you don’t know, instead of no. Most often, any pain and/or wounds from car accidents become evident hours after the actual crash. 

5. TAKE MANY PICTURES. You should take photos of the vehicles even if there is no noticeable damage. Also, if you have any obvious wounds, you should take photos of them as well. On the off chance that you can’t take pictures at the area of the accident, take them as quickly as possible. 

6. TRADE INFORMATION. Regularly, the examining cop gets this data. Whether this is or is not the case, you should still get the name, address, and phone number of all people associated with the accident; this includes drivers and any passengers. Also, write down any information about their insurance company. If there are observers, you should get data from them as well so you or your lawyer can reach them later on. You can also utilize the police report number (if you receive one) later to acquire the police report. If your accident happens on a state expressway, you should ask for the report from the state police. 

7. REPORT THE ACCIDENT. Tell your insurance agent about the accident as soon as possible. Also, make sure any car accident-related doctor’s visit expenses are given to your insurance agency. 

8. GET MEDICAL ATTENTION. Most often, any wounds brought about by car accidents are not quickly visible. The majority of car accident victims report any wounds or pain a day or two after a car crash. Even in minor accidents, an issue to your spinal line can occur. If you lost awareness for even a brief moment following the impact, you may have endured a blackout or head injury; this can cause psychological and social changes if left untreated. 

9. KEEP A RECORD. Keep all your car crash-related images and data together. You should also include the police report case number, the insurance agent who is dealing with the case, names, and telephone number of all involved as well as any receipts for a rental vehicle and different costs associated with the accident. 

10. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS. The most important thing you to do after a car accident is to consult an experienced car accident lawyer in Oklahoma. A lawyer can secure your privileges and ensure significant information isn’t forgotten. Insurance agencies also need to take explanations following the accident. It is important that you have received lawful counsel before giving your explanation.

Have you been injured in a car wreck? The person that hit you already has an attorney defending him that is paid for by his insurance company. It is that attorney’s job to pay you as little as possible. That attorney gets paid to fight you and has handled hundreds of car wreck cases. How many car accidents have you ever been in? Without an attorney on your side, the odds are not in your favor. Please contact Giles Law and discuss your case with us today. In personal injury situations – time is NOT on your side.