A car accident can be jarring in more ways than one. But – given the fact that an average of six million automobile accidents occur in the U.S. each year – chances are, your life will be impacted by this roadway phenomenon at some point. In the event that you are involved in a car crash, the attorneys at The Edmonson Law Firm hope that it is merely a fender bender, and you walk away unharmed. While none of us wants to get behind the wheel or climb into the passenger seat thinking “I could be involved in a car accident today,” it’s important to be prepared if it happens to you. We’ve outlined a few steps to following immediately after a car accident that you may want to commit to memory. By doing so, you’ll not only be protecting your life and the lives of others, but you’ll also be ensuring the likelihood that you will be awarded compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, car repairs or replacement, and more.
1. Breathe…
Between the unexpected impact itself and the release of air bags inside your vehicle, it may take a moment for you to realize what has just happened. Try not to panic. Instead, take a deep, cleansing breath and check yourself from head-to-toe for injuries.
2. Call 9-1-1
Assuming that someone else has called 9-1-1 may lead to a delay in help arriving on the scene. If you are able to reach your phone or if your car is equipped with Bluetooth calling capability that is still functioning following the accident, call 9-1-1 to have police and first responders come to the scene. If you are injured, be sure to report your injuries. When the ambulance arrives, if you have incurred injuries and the first responders recommend a trip to the hospital, rely on their expertise and seek the care you need.
3. Check on the Other Driver(s)
If you are capable of leaving your vehicle, check on anyone else involved in the accident. In the event that you suspect you may have incurred a neck injury, stay put until the ambulance arrives. If you and the other drivers are uninjured, be sure to exchange insurance information. If you are injured, the reporting officers will gather that information on your behalf.
4. Call Your Loved Ones and Insurance Provider
If you are uninjured or if your injuries are at a level that allows you to comfortably make a phone call, place a call to your loved ones/emergency contact to keep them apprised of your situation and another call to your insurance provider to make them aware of the accident. They may have additional suggestions for you related to your coverage. If a trip to the hospital is not required but your car must be towed, your friends and family members can come pick you up and help remove any valuables from the car before it leaves the scene.
5. Contact an Experienced and Reputable Personal Injury Attorney for Advice
If your injuries are to an extent that requires an ambulance ride, emergency room visit and multiple overnight stays at the hospital, those medical bills can add up quickly. In the event that another driver was at fault for the accident, it’s unjust for you to incur all those costs. A call to an attorney that specializes in Personal Injury Law – like The Edmonson Law Firm – can result in invaluable advice, as well as representation should your case warrant the need.
Your Personal Injury attorney will seek damages on your behalf so any lost wages, medical bills, automobile repairs and physical therapy are reimbursed. Chances are, if the other driver has good insurance coverage, much of the cost will be paid by their insurer. And because initial consultations are FREE with The Edmonson Law Firm, there’s no risk in simply calling upon our team with any questions you might have about your case. By looking to us for our expertise, we can fight for more damages than you might receive by letting your insurance company serve as your lone advocate.
Our best piece of advice is to save our phone number in the contacts list on your phone: 678-271-9111. We hope you never need to use it, but if you do, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing the legal team at The Edmonson Law Firm will be there for you in the event of an accident. We highly recommend that you do your research – visit our website at www.elf-legal.com to learn more about us and our practice areas, meet our team members and read about our history. We also invite you to visit our offices in Buford at 924 Gainesville Hwy, Suite 200. Safe travels!