By: Darrell Castle
There’s a chance you could leave where you are right now, get in your car and quickly find yourself in a car accident.
Memphis is a driving city. There are many cars on the roads filled with people going back and forth from home and work. With countless cars traveling dozens of miles on any given day, the probability of car accidents stays high. It’s just math.
It’s important to be prepared for a car accident. It could happen to you. Be sure you know what to do – and what NOT to do – at the scene of a wreck, especially if you’re injured.
Here are 5 things you MUST do if you’re injured in an accident.
1. Call the police
If your injury is very serious, then call 911 – or have someone else call 911 if you can’t do it yourself. If the injury is less serious, then call the police station to report the accident. And make sure to get the officer’s name and contact information.
2. Get medical treatment
This is the top priority. Don’t refuse medical treatment if the ambulance is on the scene – even if your injuries are minor. And if you aren’t treated for your injuries at the scene of the accident, go see a doctor ASAP.
Car accident injuries can often be delayed — especially with back injuries. If you start to notice pain or soreness days or weeks after the accident, go see a doctor immediately.
3. Take pictures of the accident
Your cell phone almost certainly has a camera. Use it to take pictures of the accident, including your and the other driver’s car. Take a lot of pictures and be detailed. Fill your camera up and use all your memory if needed. This is evidence that can help if you decide to file a personal injury claim.
4. Exchange contact and insurance information
Be sure you have all of the other driver’s correct contact and insurance information. Be sure to write all of it down in a safe place.
This should be your only interaction with the other driver however. Be quick and stay on topic. Don’t admit fault or talk about how you feel. You could say the wrong thing and hurt a potential personal injury claim, maybe costing yourself thousands of dollars.
5. Contact a personal injury attorney
A personal injury attorney can help you get the compensation you’re entitled to for medical bills, lost wages from time off work, pain, suffering and more. If the accident wasn’t your fault, then you shouldn’t be responsible for those expenses. And you don’t have to be. You should contact an attorney ASAP.
Our team of personal injury attorneys can help
For decades, our team has handled car accident cases of all shapes and sizes.
We’re detailed, responsive and relentless in our approach. You’re a real person with a real problem – not just a case number. We’ll treat you like a real person and fight to get you the compensation you’re entitled to.
That’s one of the many reasons we’ve received multiple Client Distinction Awards from Martindale-Hubbell for client satisfaction. You’re in good hands with us.
And don’t worry about legal costs. We only get paid when YOU get paid.
Want a free case evaluation?
Call (901) 327-1212 TODAY for a FREE case evaluation. Or you can fill out the form to the right of this page to have someone from our office contact YOU.
Car Accident Checklist
For more information on what you should and shouldn’t do at the scene of a wreck, download my Car Accident Checklist. This checklist will hold you accountable and guide you when you’re in a car accident. Download it, print it and keep it in your car at all times.