Vehicle Accident Attorneys Serving the Carolinas

The immediate aftermath of a vehicle accident can be intense, disorienting, and stressful. This is especially true if you or a loved one are injured due to someone else’s negligence. To protect yourself and your family, it’s essential to know what to do in the event of an auto accident. Taking the proper steps quickly can also help protect any legal claims and improve your chances of recovering damages.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the critical actions you should take when you’re involved in a vehicle accident, if possible:

• Stop your vehicle and call 911: Stay at the accident scene – leaving it is a crime. Call 911 to report the accident and any injuries and move the vehicles out of the road if possible. The police will conduct their own investigation at the scene. Their accident report can often be critical in personal injury lawsuits or insurance settlements, so make sure you request a copy.
• Get medical attention ASAP: If you or anyone else in the accident is injured, don’t move until emergency personnel provides medical attention. Also, adrenaline can mask the pain of potentially severe injuries in the moments right after an accident, so make sure you are checked out by a doctor as quickly as possible. Be specific in explaining the accident and any injuries or problems you are experiencing. Keep all receipts related to your medical care and any copies of diagnostic images, such as X-rays.
• Document, document, document: Get the other driver’s contact and insurance information (if they are uninsured, take down their primary address and phone number). If there are witnesses, get each one’s name, address, and contact info, and document as much of the scene as possible. Your phone is your friend here – videos, pictures, and written notes that help capture the context and conditions around your accident scene can be valuable assets in court.
• Call The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor: You may need a car accident lawyer to ensure that every effort is made toward a fair resolution of your claim. A cool head during this stressful experience can also help ensure you take the right next steps. Do not admit fault, sign anything, and make any statements if an insurance adjuster shows up. Instead, call your own insurance carrier after speaking to one of our experienced vehicle accident attorneys.