Car accidents are one of the most common causes of unintentional death in the United States. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported 13 car accidents in the United States every 60 seconds. Negligence while driving can result in dangerous results for one or both parties, including severe injury or death. When dangerous driving causes an accident on the road, the negligent driver is responsible for being held accountable for their actions.
Whether major or minor, a car accident has the ability to mentally, physically, and emotionally impact the drivers and passengers involved. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation. In the event of a collision where another party has been negligent, it is critical to follow these steps to protect your rights to compensation.
After an accident occurs where you are not at fault, follow these 7 steps to protect yourself:
- Move to a safe place
- Call 9-1-1
- Cooperate by giving insurance information to authorities
- Take photos of the scene and collect any evidence
- Call an attorney before you speak to any insurance company
These steps won’t immediately resolve the experience or result of an accident, but mitigating risk after an accident that wasn’t your fault is critical. To ensure you collect the compensation you are entitled to, especially if pain and suffering have been experienced, make sure you call a car accident attorney.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to prevent all accidents. Even the best defensive drivers who scan their surroundings, and honor the speed limit and rules of the road can’t always avoid an accident involving a negligent driver, poor driving conditions, or reckless driving.
What happens when you can’t prevent an accident?
Immediately after an accident that involves a driver who is negligent and/or doesn’t take responsibility for their part in the accident, you will want to take all the steps above to ensure you are protected physically and financially. Preserving your right to be compensated for any damage suffered during an accident is important in the first moments after an accident. The compensation you are entitled to includes the following:
- Property damage
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Pain and suffering
Some accidents cannot be avoided. If you are stopped at a stop sign and are rear-ended, hit at a red light, are a victim of a red-light runner, or on the other end of someone who fails to yield while exiting a hidden driveway, you are entitled to compensation. If you are blamed for an accident that wasn’t your fault, or if the other driver leaves the scene, contact a lawyer immediately to collect information about your care and work towards giving you the compensation you are entitled to.
Get a free consultation with a car accident attorney
After a no-fault accident, you are entitled to compensation. You can immediately start working with our team to ensure your rights are protected. Contact our office and speak with a member of our team. Serious injuries stemming from a car accident require special care. Our team takes the time to investigate your individual case and explore all options to maximize your financial recovery.
