Car Accident Lawyer
While many of us have learned in driving school about how to respond if an accident were to happen, all of that helpful insight may be quickly forgotten about in the midst of a chaotic scene. Vehicle accidents can result in traumatic injuries and critical conditions that require emergency treatment. If we find ourselves dealing with a car accident, we may not have anticipated just how complicated things can get.
That is why we recommend meeting with an attorney for guidance. They can provide legal wisdom from their years of experience representing people.
In the article here, we have provided some tips on what to do if you are part of a car accident. Some people may find the information below a refresher, while others may learn something completely new.
Not Stating Blame
When exchanging information with the other driver, do not apologize or make blame accusations. Even if the accident was clearly the other driver’s fault, it may only increase the tension of the situation. Write down the driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, insurance company, policy number, and vehicle license plate number.
After that, an officer can arrive at the scene to handle the rest. An officer is likely to get a statement from each of you about how the crash happened. Inquire with the officer as to how you can get a copy of the police report, as this document can be helpful when suing the driver for compensation.
Getting Medical Attention
An attorney is likely to highly suggest getting a medical evaluation after the car accident if you haven’t already. With some conditions, symptoms of the injury may not present themselves until hours, days, or even weeks later. By going to your doctor right after the incident, he or she can perform the appropriate evaluations. If you experience any of the following symptoms after the wreck, you may want to call for an ambulance or go to the nearest emergency room:
- Coughing up blood
- Severe abdominal pain
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Intense headaches
- Losing consciousness
- Impaired physical or cognitive functioning
- Clear fluid draining from ears and/or nose
- A wound that won’t stop bleeding
How an Attorney Can Help
Many victims of a car accident may not realize they can take legal action against the driver responsible for the collision. A Memphis personal injury lawyer can consult with you about what happened, and offer advice on the steps to take next. When meeting with an attorney, these are examples of important paperwork to bring along to your consultation:
- Copies of medical receipts/diagnostics/examinations
- Vehicle repair estimates from an auto body shop
- Statements from work regarding loss of pay
- The driver’s information you collected at the scene
- Any photographs you took of the accident or your injuries
- Contact information for witnesses who saw the crash happen
Thank you to our friends and contributors at Wiseman Bray, PLLC for their insight into car accidents and injuries.
