Although it would seem like a civilized society such as ours should be able to find a solution to the number of injuries and deaths that occur on the roads of the US today, overcoming issues like distracted driving (especially texting while behind the wheel), driving under the influence, speeding, reckless driving, and more, seems to be impossible. And statistics show Houston as one of the most dangerous places to drive, meaning you must practice the utmost diligence when operating a motor vehicle. Knowing what to do in the case of an accident is part of that responsibility too, allowing you to function much better in the case of a fender bender or a serious crash.
Here are the five most important steps you should take after a car accident:
- Pull over and catch your breath! The adrenaline surge is usually enormous and will subside after about an hour, but try to take a little bit of time to calm yourself before getting out of your vehicle and dealing with the situation.
- Assess whether you are injured, or if your passengers are hurt. If there is any question regarding an injury, medical assistance should be called for immediately. In some cases, you may have difficulty completing any of these steps if you are in pain and being taken to the hospital in an ambulance, but a good car accident attorney will be able to help you pick up all the pieces later if necessary.
- Contact the police. Even in the case of a minor fender bender this may be necessary in case damages must be paid for. While that scratch or dent may not seem like much to begin with, if a new part or new paint job is required (or if the car begins malfunctioning later), the expenses could cause you to regret not filing a report—or failing to get contact information at the scene.
- Exchange contact information with the other party. Most individuals are focused on insurance information at the scene of an accident—and yes, that is very important—but also ask where they work, get that number, take a picture of their car and license plate, and note any other data possible as this may be your only chance. If there are witnesses on the scene, obtain as much contact information from them as possible too. Remember, this may be the only time you ever have to speak with them, and their account of what happened could be indispensable to your case—especially if you were injured due to the carelessness of someone else.
- Take pictures and/or video of everything possible. This should include your car, the other car, and anything relevant to the scene such as an intersection, traffic signs, and more. If you have obvious, immediate injuries, take pictures of those too. Use your smartphone to your advantage after a car accident.
Please call the law offices of Andrew ‘Pike’ Piekalkiewicz, PLLC as soon as possible if you have been in a car accident and injured due to the negligence of others. Attorney Sgt. Pike activates and deploys his proprietary Car Accident Response Team or C.A.R.T.™ immediately after being hired and in cases where it is appropriate, with a team of specialized personnel trained in every aspect of car wrecks and injuries deployed. Call now at (713) 748-7453 for a no obligation case review.
