According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 1.3 million people die every year due to a car crash. The dire numbers become worse when you account for serious injuries sustained because of these car accidents. They estimate that between 20-50 million more people sustain non-fatal accidents every year while postulating that car accidents are the leading cause of death for children and young adults between 5-29. Car accidents can cause severe physical and emotional pain. They can also prevent you from working and pile on additional financial burdens through medical expenses.
Even though accidents involving car occupants are the most common type, accidents involving more vulnerable road users like cyclists, pedestrians, and bikers can be more dangerous. If you sustain an injury due to the incompetence of someone else, then you have a right to compensation. You should not suffer in silence and bear an overwhelming financial burden because of another person’s carelessness.
What to do when you are involved in a road accident:
- Get medical help
- Find and preserve evidence if you can
- Call the police
- Hire an experienced and competent lawyer to file your claims
Get medical assistance
The priority must always be you. Make sure you are safe and if you have sustained any injuries, get medical assistance immediately. Call for an ambulance or call the police for one if you are injured.
Find and preserve evidence
Every case rests on providing evidence. If you can look for evidence of your car accident, take pictures and make videos. Capture your injuries and the reason for the accident if you can. It could be bad roads, damaged traffic lights, a drunk driver, whatever it is you can capture, please do. It will be vital for your case. Your personal injury lawyer can also help you find and document evidence. Fielding Law Mesquite personal injury lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Call the police
Get the police to come and look at the accident. Their expert reports can be vital for your case, and they can pick up clues with their trained senses. Make sure you get everything down and be as truthful as possible. Ideally, your personal injury lawyer should be by your side when you speak to them.
Hire an experienced and competent lawyer to file your claims
One of the best things you can do for your case is to hire a personal injury lawyer immediately. Also, hiring a personal injury attorney from the onset means that your claims are filed properly. A personal injury lawyer knows the maximum compensation you can demand under the law and the process to obtain it. If your case heads to court, your attorney will help you prepare ahead and fight for your claim.
What to look for in a car accident lawyer?
Most personal injury lawyers give a free first-time consultation and that should be your window to interview the prospective lawyer. Find out how experienced they are specifically with car accident cases. You want a lawyer who is specialized in your case as that experience can make or mar your case. Find out how prolific they have been with the car accident cases they have undertaken. Don’t be moved by titles and awards. Check for results and make sure you are handing over your case to a competent lawyer.