The average number of car accidents in the United States is 6 million. Nearly 1.25 million people die in these accidents, which is an average of 3,287 deaths per day. Fortunately, there are personal injury attorney to assist injured persons immediately after an automobile accident. The following are things you should do after you have been involved in an automobile accident:
1. Stop. If you are involved in an accident, even a minor one, and drive away from the scene, you may be criminally charged with a “hit and run.” For this reason, it is important to stop immediately after an automobile accident occurs. Hit-and-run driving is the intentional failure of the driver of a vehicle involved in or causing any accident, to stop such vehicle at the scene of the accident, to give his identity, and to render reasonable aid. Under the hit and run statute, "accident" means an incident or event resulting in damage to property or injury to person.
2. Remove your vehicle from the roadway. After an automobile accident, it is important that you remove your vehicle from the roadway, if it is operable. Louisiana state law requires motorists to move their vehicles off of the road for the safety of other motorists and those involved in the motor vehicle accident.
3. Call the police. Even if there aren’t any serious or life-threatening injuries, you may need a police report to file a claim with your insurance company.
4. Take pictures. You should take pictures of any visible damage to your vehicle and visible injuries to your person. Pictures provide “proof” of the damage that has occurred as a result of the automobile accident. If you face adversity regarding who caused the accident or whether you sustained any injuries, the pictures will prevent any “he say, she say.” It is also a good idea to take pictures of all cars involved in the accident as well as the scene around the accident. For example, you might want to take photos of the nearest intersection, stop signs, road signs, and speed limit signs.
5. Take photos of people involved in the accident. It is also important to take photos of people involved in the accident as well as other people at the scene of the accident. These people may provide information that may be important to your case in the event that you decide to file a claim.
6. Take detailed notes. If possible, take detailed notes about the accident. This includes the time of day, the weather, the condition of the roadway, other injuries that you witness, things that people say. Everything is important after an accident. You will never know until later the importance of information available at the time of an accident. This information could be critical to your case. If you do not have pen and paper, write down this information in your phone. Send yourself a text or send a text to another person. The key is to obtain as much information as possible after the accident.
7. Exchange information. If police officers do not respond to an automobile accident, it is important to exchange contact information from the other driver as well as any witnesses present at the scene. Obtain a photograph of the driver’s license of the other driver as well. And write down what you hear other people say at the scene. Get the names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses (if possible) of all people who are willing to provide this information. Most people who witness an automobile accident will be willing to discuss the things that they saw, heard, or witnesses.
8. Seek medical attention. Injuries caused by an automobile accident are not always immediately apparent. Even in accidents involving minor impact, injuries may be sustained to your spine and the soft tissue throughout your person. Therefore, you should seek immediate medical attention to alleviate injuries both apparent and non-apparent.
At the Law Office of Gaynell Williams LLC, we have are attorneys readily available to assist after you are involved in an automobile accident. Our attorneys will ensure that you receive fair compensation for any personal injuries or property damage that you sustained, and appropriate medical attention to alleviate injuries after an automobile accident.
If you have been injured in a car accident as a result of the negligence of another driver, or if you have suffered property damage due to the negligence of another driver, contact Gaynell Williams today at (504) 302-2462 for a free, no obligation consultation. Evenings and weekend sessions are available by appointment. We will work around your schedule. New Orleans personal injury lawyer Gaynell Williams, L.L.C. has offices in Gretna and Downtown New Orleans (by appointment only) to serve victims of auto accidents, work related accidents, medical malpractice, and wrongful death.
This information has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended and should not be construed to constitute legal advice. Please consult your attorney in connection with any specific situation under federal and/or Louisiana law and the applicable state or local laws that may impose additional obligations on you and/or your family member. © 2020 Gaynell Williams LLC Attorney at Law.