Car accidents are an unfortunate reality for far too many people. Follow these simple steps to be ready in the event that your life is impacted by an accident.
For anyone involved in a car accident, life changes in the blink of an eye. You will likely have damage to your vehicle and other personal property, and may suffer physical or emotional injuries. While you probably can’t avoid all car accidents, you can take steps to reduce the likelihood of being in an accident — and to be prepared to respond if one does occur.
Before You Drive: Basic Tips for All Drivers
Everyone can take some basic precautions that will help in the event of an accident. First, secure loose items in your car. This will reduce the risk of flying objects causing additional injury if you’re in an accident. Second, put together a car safety kit. The contents will vary based on where you live — you probably won’t need cold weather gear in California or Arizona, but you may need lots of water and other items. The kit should include basic gear like a first aid kid, a fire extinguisher, a blanket, a flashlight and batteries, road flares and non-perishable food. If first responders can’t make it to the scene of an accident quickly, these items may prove to be critical. Third, keep your phone charged, and be ready to call emergency services whether you’re in the car accident or just a witness. Keeping these items handy can make the difference in the outcome for everyone involved in a car accident.
After an Accident: Protect Your Legal Rights
In addition, all drivers should be ready to protect their legal rights if they are in an accident. Keep a pen and paper in the car, so that you can document important details with notes. A cell phone camera can be used to take pictures of the scene. Practice what to say after an accident so that you don’t unintentionally take responsibility; even something as simple as saying “I’m sorry” could be taken as an admission that you were at fault in the accident. The goal should be to say as little as possible after exchanging contact and insurance information and asking if the other driver is OK. Having the name of an experienced personal injury attorney is also key; a lawyer can work with you to achieve the best possible outcome in any lawsuits or insurance claims, and make sure that you get the compensation that you deserve for your losses. Finally, make sure that you always have your necessary paperwork in your car and ready to go. This includes your license, registration and proof of insurance. Having this information handy can make the claims process go more smoothly — and can help you avoid getting in trouble for driving without these documents.
Undoubtedly, a car accident can be an incredibly traumatic event that causes significant disruption in your life. But by taking some basic precautions and preparing for what may happen after a car accident, you can rest easy knowing that you are ready to handle the situation.
If you have been hurt in a car accident, the attorneys of PLBH will fight aggressively to secure compensation for you. Contact our office today at (800) 435-7542 or info@plblaw.com to schedule a free initial consultation!