Car crashes are among the unfortunate incidents which occur on roads. They happen spontaneously to anyone at any time and can significantly impact your life. Although these incidents can be stressful to deal with, you need to know how to protect yourself and your rights and when to contact brian shrader attorney tampa if you’re a victim. So, let’s dive into the three essential steps anyone involved in a car crash should take.
Remain Calm
It’s not uncommon for car accident victims to feel angry, scared, or overwhelmed after a crash. Although remaining calm can be extremely difficult, it may be the best thing to do.
When you stay calm after a crash, you’ll find it easier to keep yourself and others safe. Depending on the extent of your injuries, you may also be able to collect valuable information, which can be crucial in winning your case.
Keeping your emotions in check can also help you approach the incident objectively and make better decisions. If you panic because of your injuries, you may forget to call for emergency services, move your passengers and car to a safe location, and take the right steps to protect yourself and others.
Call an Ambulance
Once your nerves are calm, you should ensure that every other person who’s injured in the accident receives the required medical attention. These may include you, the passengers in your vehicle, a motorcyclist, or even a pedestrian.
Even if you feel fine, calling an ambulance may still be the best thing to do. Many car accident injuries, such as fractures and whiplash, may not be immediately apparent, although they can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Calling an ambulance will also help you protect your legal interests. When you get treated for your wounds, you’ll have a medical record that you can use as evidence in court or when filing an insurance claim. Moreover, getting the necessary treatment will help you avoid complications that may be caused by an infection or chronic pain.
Contact a Lawyer
If the car accident you’re involved in was caused by somebody else, you’ll want to receive compensation from their insurance company. This process may not be easy because you may be overwhelmed by the incident. Thankfully, a lawyer can help you.
Although car accidents can be challenging to navigate, they’ll help you understand your legal rights and options. They’ll also negotiate with insurers to get you a high settlement. Most of these companies are focused on the profit they should make and may minimize your payout. However, when you work with a lawyer, they’ll handle all the communications on your behalf, saving you from saying or doing anything that could harm your case.
Additionally, they’ll collect evidence, interview witnesses, and work with medical experts to assess the extent of your injuries and estimate your medical bills.
Summing Up
Car crashes can be traumatic, but taking the right steps can help you to protect your legal rights, health, and financial interests. If you have to hire a personal injury lawyer, ensure you get an experienced one with the resources to guide and support you.
