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Auto accidents occur hourly in the United States. In 2002 there were over 6 million reported auto accidents, with over 38,000 of these accidents resulting in death. While the majority of these accidents are fender benders, many are still serious accidents, as the 2002 statistics states, and have lead to substantial auto damage and bodily injuries including spinal cord injury, brain damage and paralysis.
There are various types of auto accidents. A car crash can occur as the result of defective design, such as a roof crush, the result of a weak roof structure, during a rollover accident; drunk driver; road hazards, such as construction equipment and potholes; and reckless drivers. Any of these types of accidents can lead to serious financial loss, injury, and, in some cases, death.
When a person has been in a car accident, it is important to stay calm and follow proper procedure. The following is what a person should do after they have been involved in an auto accident and are not unconscious:
• Stop immediately, stay calm, and steer the vehicle, if possible out, out of harms way to avoid another collision.
• Check to see if anyone is injured: Do not move any person who is injured.
• Call the police immediately and wait for their arrival. Only give necessary information and never admit guilt or fault, this may waive any rights you have for compensation.
• Take pictures of the accident. Always carry a disposable camera in the glove compartment for this purpose.
• Don't give any statements and don't sign anything except a police report.
• If possible, get contact information for all witnesses.
• Visit your doctor as soon as possible after the accident.
• Inform your insurance company of the accident, but do not make any statements as to what happened or what your injuries are until you have retained an attorney.
• Contact an attorney.
It is important to contact an attorney, whether or not a car crash was fatal, to deal with the complicated process of post-crash claims. This is not something you want to handle without representation. If you do not retain the services of an experience attorney, you run the risk of not being fully compensated for all your losses. When involved in an auto accident of any kind, you have a right to compensation for losses resulting from the accident and a lawyer is often needed to ensure that you receive everything that is due to you.
Being a victim in a car wreck, car crash or auto accident can be financially, emotionally, and physically stressful. If you have been in an auto accident, have suffered bodily injuries, have suffered property damage, and feel it was due to another party's negligence, seek legal counsel immediately from Jim S. Adler & Associates to discuss your legal right to collect full compensation for your loss. The law firm offers a free case review. |
