What to Do During Vehicular Accidents

Most of the time, when you get into an accident, you're not even aware of what happened. You may remember bits and pieces of it later, but you won't remember all of it. And if you do, you'll likely forget about it before long. That's why it's important to keep your medical records safe. If you ever need to file a claim against another party, you'll need those records to prove your side of the story.

PROTECT YOUR LIFE. If you're not sure if someone needs help, call 911. If you see someone in trouble, get out of your vehicle and try to offer assistance. If you're driving, slow down and pull over safely. If you need to stop, pull over at least 100 feet away from the accident scene. If you're walking, stay close to others and avoid isolated areas.

CALL YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY. Even if you have no serious injuries, it's still a good idea to call your insurance company. You may need a copy of your police report to file a car accident claim with them, even if it is only to make a claim for damages to your vehicle. Your vehicles should stay at the scene until the police arrive, unless they interfere with other traffic.

GET MEDICAL HELP IMMEDIATELY IF YOU ARE INJURED. Call 911 immediately if you are injured. A medical professional will help determine whether you need to go to the hospital. If you are injured, you may need emergency treatment at the scene. Emergency care includes treating broken bones, cuts, burns, and other serious injuries. Your doctor may ask you questions about your health before deciding whether you need to go the hospital. He or she might also recommend tests to check for internal bleeding or other problems.

Take pictures of the vehicle if there is visible damage, and if you have a camera in your car or cell phone, take pictures of any injuries. Do not interfere with the ongoing police investigation. Take photos as soon as possible after an accident. You may also need to take photos later if you need evidence for insurance purposes.

EXCHANGE INFORMATION. Typically, the investigating police officers obtain this information. However, you should obtain the names, addresses and phone numbers of all persons involved in an accident, drivers and passengers, regardless of whether the police respond to the accident. You should also obtain any insurance cards for all vehicles involved in an accident. If there are eyewitnesses, you should ask them for their names, addresses and phone number. If police respond to an accident, the investigating officer will usually provide you with a police report number, which you can use later to obtain the police reports. If the accident occurs at a state highway, you should request the police report from the state police department.

REPORT THE ACCIDENT. Notify your insurance agent immediately. Most policies require immediate reporting and complete cooperation. Find out if your policy requires you to report an accident to your insurance company. If you have medical benefits through your insurance, you may need to file a claim. Medical benefits are usually paid directly to providers, and you will receive reimbursement later. However, if you have medpass coverage, you must submit any accident-related medical bills first to your insurance company. Once your medpass benefits are exhausted, your private health insurance becomes your main source of payment. Medpass benefits are available to all passengers in the car at the time of the accident. Your insurance rates should remain unchanged after filing a claim.

If you feel any pain after an auto accident, you should see a doctor right away. You could also suffer a concussion or other brain injury. Seek medical attention if you lose consciousness or experience dizziness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, confusion, memory loss, blurred vision, or trouble speaking or walking.

KEEP A RECORD OF THE ACCIDENT. After an accident, keep track of everything that happened. Take pictures of the scene of the accident, including the road conditions, traffic signs, and any damage to vehicles or property. If possible, get the name and contact information of witnesses.

GET MEDICAL TREATMENT. Make sure you receive prompt medical attention following an accident. You may need stitches or other forms of first aid. Also, if you were injured in the crash, seek immediate medical care.

CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY. An experienced personal injury lawyer in Harris County, Galveston County, Fort Bend County, Montgomery County, Brazoria County, Houston, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Stafford, Texas at Thornton Esquire Law Group, PLLC, will help you understand your rights and what steps you should take next. Be sure to ask questions about your situation and what you can expect during the claims process. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Being prepared and knowing what to expect when getting into your car can help prevent accidents. If you are involved in an auto accident, there are many steps you should take before calling 911. First, check yourself and others for injuries. Make sure everyone is okay. Then call 911. Next, stay calm and try not to move around. Stay still until emergency responders arrive. Finally, let them take care of everything.

Keep critical documents in your car, including your registration, proof of auto-insurance, your leasing agent's contact info, and your medical records. Also, ensure that your car is emergency-ready. Have flares, orange cones, and emergency signs in your car to help keep your loved ones safe and your vehicle out of harms way if you're involved in an accident. While we rely heavily on technology, there's always a possibility that it could fail when you need to write down a phone number or license-plate details. Keep a notepad and pen in your car at all times.

It is important to get the right amount of auto insurance to cover your needs. An insurance policy is not a replacement for health and safety, but it can help reduce the stress if you're ever involved in an accident.