With the increase of vehicles on the road today, auto accidents are the most common cause of accidental death and injury in the U.S. According to the United States Department of Transportation. In 2018 almost 2.5 million people were injured in an automobile accident and approximately 25,000 people were killed as a result. The average automobile weighs almost 3,000 pounds. When an automobile weighing thousands of pounds strikes the car you are in, you most likely will suffer some type of injury. This is an unfortunate reality of the world we live in.

 Car accidents are almost always caused due to the negligence or reckless conduct of the driver of one of the vehicles involved in the crash. Disobeying speed laws, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, failing to obey traffic signals or signs, driver’s distracted by cell phones or other passengers in their vehicle, tailgating, and failure to use caution in inclement weather are a few causes of automobile accidents. When you are injured in an auto accident because someone else has engaged in negligent driving behavior, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries.

WHAT TO DO WHEN INVOLVED IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT?

1) NEVER LEAVE THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT: The only time you should leave the scene of an accident is by ambulance when emergency medical treatment is necessary. Staying at the scene will help avoid any confusion and will ensure that no charges for hit and run are filed.

2) CALL THE POLICE: A police officer can assist in exchanging and obtaining the necessary information you may need. The officer will create an official record of the accident that you can later obtain. An accident report is often used by the insurance company to confirm the events and help determine fault. Without an accident report, the entire set of events may be completely denied by the at-fault party.

3) COLLECT IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Although the police will gather information from all involved parties, it is very important that you also obtain as much information for your own records, especially since accident reports are not immediately available. If you are able to get the important information yourself, you can start your claim and not be at the mercy of the police department . The following information should be obtained if possible: 1) Names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses for all parties involved; 2) drivers' license and license plate numbers for all parties and vehicles involved; 3) insurance company name and policy numbers for all involved; and 4) name and ALL contact information for any and all eyewitnesses to the accident.

4) TAKE PHOTOS:  Most cell phones contain a cameras feature. Pictures of conditions or circumstances at the scene of the accident can be invaluable, particularly when determining fault. Be sure to photograph the scene of the crash, damages sustained to your vehicle and to all other vehicles involved. Photographs really are worth a thousand words and can help protect you in case of any dispute.

5) SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT: If anyone is injured, you need to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Even minor collisions often times lead to serious injuries that require treatment, hospitalization and sometimes surgery. If you are hurting, or experiencing discomfit or tightness after an automobile accident . We recommend you consult a licensed medical professional to document any injuries you sustained as a result of the collision. Documentation of your injuries is extremely important if you end up filing a car accident claim.

6) CONTACT A LAWYER: An attorney can help you recover the compensation you deserve to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, loss of use of your vehicle, pain and suffering, mental anguish and loss of consortium. The Schley Firm will assist you with your own insurance company and with the at-fault person’s insurance carrier.