Pablo Luna
Accidents are major causes of injury and death across the globe. Accidents can occur anywhere and anytime, whether it is at work, on the road, at home, in the shopping mall, or at the airport. Studies show that annually in Hawaii, there are about 10000 serious automobile accidents, 120-150 fatal car crashes and at least 25 pedestrians lose their lives after being hit by a speeding vehicle. Alcohol is a major cause of car crashes in the US because 1 in 3 crash fatalities involve drunk driving.
If you have been involved in a car, moped, or motorcycle accident, it can be quite stressful. The situation is the same with slip and fall accidents as well as those resulting in personal injury. Follow the following steps after being involved in an accident.
1. Safety First
In the event of an accident, your safety comes first. If it is a car or motorcycle accident, pull over at the side of the road away from traffic and ensure that your hazard lights are on. Most people will be in shock and feel disoriented after a car crash. It is therefore advisable to breathe deeply and hold it for a few seconds to help you calm down. Get out of your car or motorcycle and turn off the engine. If you think that it might be a carjacking attempt, pull over at a safe place. Also, don’t fall to touts who might offer legal help.
You will then need to assess if you or other car occupants have suffered any injuries. If you feel that you are in a position to tend to others involved in the accident, you can administer first aid treatment. Ensure that you have gloves and other protective gear. If you or others involved in the accident have major injuries, dial 911 so that they send an emergency team.
2. Call An Attorney
If you think that you need compensation after an accident, you will need an attorney to help you with your case. According to the post at the address: http://www.recoverylawcenterhawaii.com/, you need to keep a record of any medical treatment you received after the accident. In Hawaii, you can get an experienced lawyer who will scrutinize medical records and other documents to carefully evaluate your case and help you seek the compensation you deserve. Slip and fall accidents are sometimes hard to prove and it is advisable to carefully choose an attorney for your case.
3. Gather All Information
Don’t leave the scene of the accident until you have all the accident details. Get information about all parties involved in the accident such as their names, license plates, insurance details, ID number, and car model and make. Ensure that you record the location of the accident, time and date, the road or highway you are on, and the direction of travel. While at it, assess the extent of the damage on the car or motorcycle. You may also need to record witness details if there are any.
In case of a slip and fall accident, record any conditions that might have led to the accident such as stairs, slippery flooring, or any icy patches. You can use a smartphone to take pictures and document everything.
4. Report The Accident
Call the police and report the accident. It is a requirement in some states to report to the police after an accident for you to get compensated. A legal accident report filed by the police will help you further in case you need to get compensated.
While you wait for the police to arrive, avoid discussing the accident with other parties involved. Don’t admit fault or liability and only discuss the accident details with the police, your insurance agency, your personal lawyer, or medical personnel. If the police cannot come to the scene of an accident, go to the nearest police station and file an incident report. When filing for compensation, most insurance companies will ask for an accident or incident report. Remember to get the badge number and names of the police officers at the accident scene or at the police station.
5. Notify Your Insurer
Your insurer needs to know about the accident as soon as possible. Sometimes, you may need to call your insurance agent while at the scene so that they can tell you the information they will need for you to file a claim. Even if you are the party at fault, you will need to let the insurance company know about the accident immediately in the event the other parties are uninsured.
Even the most experienced drivers can be involved in car crashes. You may also slip and fall and get injured almost anywhere. Following the above steps will help you eliminate any worries.
