If you get yourself into a fender-bender, you probably know the drill. Pull off to the side, exchange identity and insurance information with the other driver, and take some cellphone photos of the damage done to the cars. But, if you’ve been in a serious accident and have been injured, what you must do becomes more urgent, while what you can do is may be strictly limited. Here is a brief list of instructions in such an emergency:
Get safe. Your immediate concern after a collision is whether there will be a second collision. Are you visible to oncoming traffic? Can traffic avoid you? If not, you’ve got three choices:
Tend to injuries. Depending on the severity of the injuries, you may have to provide aid before you think of moving the car. But be wise when choosing. It doesn’t do your wounded passenger any good if you’re rear-ended again while applying pressure to a cut. Refrain from moving an injured passenger unless the car is absolutely unsafe, due to a fire or other emergency.
Call for help. An personal injury accident is a police emergency. Call 911 and ask for police and an ambulance. Then wait in a safe place.
Start building your case. This may seem cold and calculating, but the harsh fact of the matter is that evidence vanishes quickly. To the best of your ability at this time you must:
Go to the hospital. Even if you don’t think you’re badly hurt, you should get checked out immediately. Adrenalin can often mask a serious condition that worsens overnight.
Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler provides experienced legal representation following serious Tacoma car crashes. To schedule a free consultation, call today at 253-383-5388 or contact our office online.