Were you recently involved in an auto accident? Auto accidents can leave you with more than damage to your primary source of transportation. It can also leave you emotionally damaged, and possibly, with physical injuries. Although people tend to be prepared for auto accidents in the form of auto insurance and mobile devices, any remembrance of preparedness dissolves immediately following an auto accident. For this reason, mistakes are often made. Avoid the following common mistakes following an auto accident.
Moving the vehicles
Unless noted on a public street, vehicles that are involved in an auto accident should remain where the accident occurred. If this is in area that is dangerous to the owners of the vehicle, remain in your vehicle, or move to a safer place. When you move your vehicle, the police officer is unable to document the exact positioning of the vehicles. If there is a question of who was at fault, the placement of the vehicles can help decipher fault. If drivers are worried about further damage their vehicles because of the location, clear photographs can be used. However, ensure that the photographs have the date and time on them.
Moving an injured person
Moving an injured person can be extremely dangerous. It is best to call for help and stay with them, without moving them. If they are in an extremely dangerous area and are at risk for further danger, move them very carefully. However, it is always best to protect the area rather than move them from the scene. Motor vehicle crashes were the leading cause of death in 2014 for individuals age 11 and also for ages 16 through 24. If death or severe dismemberment occurs from the move, you could be liable for it.
Not properly documenting
Everything and anything should be documented that involves the accident. The documents can help your law office sue for any owed damages. It can also help when there is disagreement with fault. Documentation should include photographs, testimonials if possible, medical records, and personal statements. The police report is also an extremely important part of the legal case and is something that your law office will need.
Not suspecting foul play
Drinking and driving is illegal in all 50 states. Yet each day, people drive drunk almost 300,000 times, but fewer than 4,000 are arrested. If you suspect that foul play was the cause of an auto accident, you need to be sure you handle it correctly and immediately. If drinking is suspected, the police should be notified. Your auto accident attorney cannot fight for drinking and driving charges if it was never documented.
Some auto accidents are also the result of distracted driving. Engaging in visual manual subtasks (such as reaching for a phone, dialing, and texting) associated with the use of hand held phones and other portable devices increased the risk of getting into a crash by three times. Although proof of distracted driving may be harder to document, your auto attorney or law firm should be notified of suspicions as soon as possible.
Not hiring legal representation
Failing to hire legal representation for your auto accident injury can result in lost damages and the inability to sue for injuries. In most cases, a car crash attorney can provide value to your auto accident case. With an attorney for car accidents, you increase your chances of winning your case, and the average amount of settlement amount increases. Law offices are aware of disputes and legal proceedings and are a necessary part of the car accident legal process.
Car accidents occur across the country on a daily basis. Most people believe that they will be prepared in the event of an auto accident, but these feelings of preparedness are often overcome with anxiety and stress. This increases the amount of mistakes that occur immediately following a car crash. Car accident attorneys recommend leaving vehicles where the crash occurred, calling for medical help rather than moving someone to safety, and documenting all aspects of the accident. It is also important to hire an auto experienced law office as soon as possible for the best representation.