DO YOU KNOW HOW TO REPORT THE ACCIDENT YOU WITNESS?
When you see a car crash or you're involved in a problem on the road, you need to report the accident. A car accident is a frightening experience, but it's also a very common one. It's better to report what happened, rather than run the risk of making the wrong decision and getting yourself into some kind of trouble later down the road. A car crash can shake anyone up, so just remember the things you need to do in order to report the accident accurately. Do this, and you'll be able to get any additional help you need.
HOW TO REPORT THE ACCIDENT
When you're involved in a car crash or you happen to witness one, first get yourself out of any potential danger. If you can, get into a safe position before you call to report the accident to your local police. You don't need to know where the local police station is, or even have their phone number. Simply dial 911 and you will be directed to the appropriate person, and the dispatcher will send police officers in your local area to provide help.
Every year in the U.S., there are approximately 31 million injuries that require medical attention. More than half -- 52 percent -- of personal injury lawsuits are filed after a car accident has occurred. Of the 5.5 million car accidents that happen in the U.S. every single year, 3 million of them cause injuries. That means you have a better than 50-50 chance that if you are in a car wreck, you will be hurt. Report the accident so that you have less trouble if any injury manifests itself later.
HIRE AN ACCIDENT ATTORNEY ASAP
Whether you're involved in a car accident or you happened to witness one, report the accident right away. Don't hesitate to call emergency services. You may even want to contact an accident attorney if your car has been damaged or you believe your body or the body of one of your passengers has been damaged. The faster you report the accident and make the car crash part of the record, the better your chances of reaching a resolution and receiving help for any injuries or damage to your personal vehicle or your body.
You don't need to know the law to know how to call a lawyer, someone who is a specialist in the law and in the proper way to report the accident you just saw or were involved with. A car crash can happen for lots of reasons. Distracted driving and driver error are the most common reasons behind most accidents, but this isn't always the case. Hiring an attorney is a very smart move if you or your property has been damaged in any way, no matter how small. What appears to be a small injury or just a small amount of damage right now could cost you thousands of dollars in the future. Lawyers know the law and know what to do in order to help you.
After you report the accident, you will likely receive specific instructions from the police officers who respond to the scene. Your lawyer may also give you advice and tell you what you need to do it, so call them right away if you are involved in a car crash. Talk to the police officers and then speak with a lawyer so you know what to do, where to go, and what your next steps should be after you witness or are involved in a car accident. This experience is scary, but you don't have to go through it alone.
Most personal injury cases (about 96 percent) are settled pre-trial. This means you’re going to want an accident attorney who knows the law and knows all the right tricks. Make sure you report the accident and get started with building a strong paper trail.