What to Do in a Car Accident
Car Accidents Happen Every Day, but Most People Don’t Know What to do When it Happens
According to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, in 2015, there were 28,000 automobile accidents that resulted in serious injury. If you are involved in an accident be knowledgeable by reading our helpful hints on what to do, and what not to do, when you or a loved one has gotten into an auto accident.
Never Drive Away From the Scene of a Car Wreck
Even an accident which does not cause major damage to the vehicle may cause damage and injury so be sure to stay at the scene of the accident and follow the steps provided below.
Call the Police
Always call the police. A police officer will be able to gather all the necessary information from parties involved to properly document the facts of the car accident. By involving the police, you are creating an official record of what has transpired and determine fault.
Gather Information
While the police will gather information from all parties involved, be sure to gather information for your own records as well. Be sure to include the following:
- Names and contact information for all parties involved in the car accident (e.g. telephone numbers, address, email address).
- Drivers license and license plate numbers for all parties involved.
- Names and contact information from any witnesses to the auto accident.
- If you have your camera handy or a camera on your cell phone, take pictures of the vehicles involved and the scene of the accident.
See a Doctor
If you are hurting, we recommend consulting with a licensed medical practitioner to properly document any injuries sustained as a result of your wreck. Car collisions can result in severe injuries, requiring hospitalization, doctors’ visits, physical therapy and even surgery leaving you with significant medical costs. It is important for you to consult a personal injury attorney to ensure that you are protecting your rights with regards to these medical expenses.
Injuries often associated with low-impact, rear-end, roll-over and head-on collisions include fractures, lacerations, strains, sprains and bruises. In some cases, severe internal injuries may occur.
Contact us now for a free consultation.