What Everyone Needs to Know About Car Wrecks

  • Many people assume that a car crash will never happen to them. However, the sobering fact is that one-in-four Americans will get into a car wreck at some point during their lives. Even if you follow all of the rules-of-the-road perfectly, you could still find yourself in an accident at no fault of your own. So, what do you need to know about car wrecks in order to be able to take the best course of action should one happen to you?


    1) Many car wrecks can be prevented.

    As Howard Spiva, a trucking accident injury lawyer in Georgia explains, many car and trucking accidents are caused by driver negligence. You can help prevent accidents by avoiding distractions and not driving while tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It is important to always be on high alert while driving, because even if you are following the rules of good driving, you may encounter another driver who is not and need to get out of the way quickly to avoid an accident. 


    2) You need to know what to do if you get into a wreck.

    You should know the basic process you should take if you get into a car wreck, because sometimes, they are just not preventable. If you do find yourself in a wreck, there are a few things you should do. First, you should check yourself and any passengers in your vehicle for injuries. Next, you should check on any people in the other vehicle as well. If everyone seems okay for the time being, you want to see if you can get your vehicle out of the road. Damaged vehicles left in the middle of the road can be hazardous and cause further accidents. Next, you will want to call the police and inform them of the accident. Once the police have been called, you should document the crash the best you can, as you will need evidence when you file with your insurance company and if you possibly file a car accident claim. As Harvey Morris, a Florence AL Personal Injury Lawyer explains, this evidence can be critical if your insurance settlement is denied and you need to file a claim through a lawyer. You can take photos of every angle of the scene and record the contact information of any eyewitnesses. You should also get the contact information of the driver you got into the crash with. Lastly, you need to notify your insurance company of the accident as quickly as possible.


    3) You have options if your insurance settlement isn't satisfactory. 

    If your insurance claim is denied or the settlement seems unfair, you may want to contact a lawyer. An attorney can help you receive the compensation you need for medical bills, loss of wages, and other expenses due to being injured in a car wreck. Keep in mind that you will need to prove how the other driver was negligent, keep track of your medical records, photos from the scene of the crash, and any other evidence you have. As Benjamin Sansone, a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer explains, an expert attorney can give you a free consultation to see if your case is worth pursuing, so if you feel like you need to file a personal injury claim, don't hesitate to seek legal counsel.


    These are just a few things that everyone should know about car wrecks. Try to drive safe, and remember, if someone else hurts you due to their negligence, you have a right to compensation.