Tuesday, November 8, 2011

5 Steps to Take After an Auto Accident

Most people are unsure about what to do after a car accident. The chaos after an accident can cause a lot of confusion. It is important to know the steps to take before you find yourself in an accident situation. Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A can help you navigate through this process. Below are the 5 Steps to Take After an Auto Accident.
 
1. Pull Over                                                            
Do not leave your car in the middle of the road after an accident. You are just creating a possible danger for other drivers. Safely move your car to the side of the road, turn off the ignition and turn on your hazard lights.
 
2. Check for Injuries and Call the Police
Check to see if anyone is hurt or has sustained any injuries. If someone is hurt, do not move them. Moving an injured person can cause further injuries. If anyone is hurt or cannot tell you if they are hurt, immediately call 911 and let the paramedics make the decision on moving someone. Report the accident to the police. Do not discuss what happened with anyone else but the police. Do not say that it was your fault, and do not make accusations. These comments may be used against you later.
 
3. Exchange Information
Exchange information with everyone involved in the accident. Be sure to exchange the following: Name, address, phone number of all drivers, Name, address, phone numbers or all passengers and witnesses, Drivers license numbers and license plate numbers, Insurance companies of all drivers involved, Registered owners of all cars, Year, model, make, etc. of all cars involved.
 
4. Call a Lawyer
Call Gonzalez & Cartwright at (888) 888-3903 before you call your insurance company. You may still be recovering from the incident and unable to give accurate information. The insurance representatives can then use your errors and temporary confusion to build a case against you. If you are an accident victim and try to represent yourself, you might end up hurting your own case. We can prevent the insurance company from taking advantage of your vulnerable condition. A competent car accident injury lawyer like Gonzalez & Cartwright can make a difference in your recovery and your right to financial compensation.
 
5. Document the Scene                                                                                                       
Take pictures of everything. Take pictures of the accident scene, any debris, skid marks, your car, the other person's car and any visible injuries. As a precautionary measure, keep first aid supplies and an emergency kit in your car. Flares, a bright orange vest, a cell phone, and a disposable camera are all helpful objects to have in case of an accident. . If time and accident conditions allow, take notes about your perception of what happened. If you get a chance to look inside the other driver's car, observe whether he had any evidence of work on his seat. Are there papers opened up that he could have been writing on or working on? Is a laptop computer open? Did he have a cell phone out? Is there a half-eaten sandwich open on the seat?
 
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car or pedestrian accident in Palm Beach County, Florida or the surrounding areas, please contact experienced accident attorneys Gonzalez & Cartwright at 1-888-888-3903 to schedule a consultation. Visit www.gonzalezcartwright.com for additional information.

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