Every year thousands of people are injured or killed in car accidents. Sadly, most of these automobile accidents are preventable. By law, each and every driver has a duty to other motorists and pedestrians to exercise "reasonable care." When this doesn't happen, it can result in an auto accident and quite often, personal injury.
The most common situations that result in an accident and injury are when a driver ignores a traffic sign or signal, makes an unlawful lane change, travels with excessive speed, or drives under the influence. This disregard for those around them can lead to devastating long-term effects for all parties involved. Brain injuries, whiplash, head injuries, broken bones, and spinal injuries can all result from a car accident. These injuries can lead to a lifetime of complications and disabilities, not to mention medical bills and lost wages.
Car accident investigations are complex and confusing. If you have been seriously injured in an automobile accident, it is vital that you act in your best interest. Do not talk to the insurance company and immediately contact a car accident lawyer in Tucson, such as Grabb & Durando. Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney helps ensure that you will receive the largest settlement possible. For more than fifteen years, Grabb & Durando has been aggressively representing Tucson accident victims and has a success rate over 98%.
While there is really no way to be prepared for a car wreck, there are a few items drivers should have in their vehicle at all times. Most drivers have a smartphone that will allow them to take notes and photos of an accident, but sometimes the phone is left at home or disabled in the collision. Because this can happen, it is important that you carry a disposable camera in your vehicle, as well as pen and paper for taking notes.
For your safety, other items you should also keep in your car are warning triangles, a set of flares, or caution cones. You always want to keep a card in your wallet or purse with information about allergies and a list of emergency contacts in case you're unable to answer these questions yourself.
If you are involved in a minor accident that does not involve serious injuries, you should safely move your vehicle to the side of the road and out of the way of oncoming traffic. If your vehicle cannot be moved, or if there are serious injuries, you must call 911 immediately, turn on your hazard lights, and remain in your vehicle until help arrives. If you are not injured and your vehicle can’t be moved, you can set up emergency flares, warning triangles, or cones to warn oncoming traffic (if available).
Emotions can flare after an accident, especially if the other driver was at fault. It is important to take a deep breath and remain calm. You should speak to the other driver only to get his or her information and to make sure they are okay. Never admit fault or say, “I’m sorry.” Making such a statement could be used against you in future proceedings.
It is important to seek immediate medical treatment if you sustained any injuries during the collision. Keep in mind that many accident victims experience delayed onset injuries that may not manifest right away. The stress of an auto accident often causes the body to create endorphins and adrenaline, which mask pain and other symptoms of injuries. It is common for an accident victim to feel okay immediately after the accident, but then experience pain in the hours or days that follow.
Make sure to collect the following information:
Name, address, phone, and driver's license number of the other party or parties.
Name of the other party’s or other parties’ insurance company, policy number, and the policy’s expiration date.
Year, make, model, license plate number, state of issuance, vehicle identification number (VIN), and information of the owner of the other vehicle(s) (if different than the driver).
Take photos of the scene of the accident, as well as any damage to the vehicles and/or property. Make sure to note the names and numbers of any passengers in the vehicles. Also make sure to obtain the names and numbers of any witnesses.
Our goal is clear - to help our clients recover the maximum damages possible for their accident injury claim from the responsible parties.
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If you have been seriously injured in an automobile accident, it is crucial that you call an experienced personal injury lawyer. Call Grabb & Durando. Our attorneys will fight for your rights and help ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.
