A car accident is never expected, but having the right plan in place is important to protect yourself and your loved ones. Below are some tips to keep in mind.
1. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries.
Make sure that everyone in your vehicle is safe. Call 911 to report the accident. If you feel that medical attention is needed, let the 911 operator know that an ambulance can be dispatched. It’s also important to call the police, even if you think it’s only a minor accident, so that they can write up a police report. You will need the police report for your insurance claim. Even if the other person confirms they are at fault, they can change their mind later; if so, the police must investigate and make a police report. You will need the police report to prove the accident was not your fault.
2. Capture photos
After the accident, if it’s safe to do so, take pictures/videos of all vehicles and other people involved. Nowadays, most people have cell phones with cameras. Be sure to take as many photos and videos of the accident scene as possible.
3. Get to safety
After you have taken photos or video of both vehicles, move your cars if you can to stay out of harm’s way to prevent another collision from happening. If you cannot exit your vehicle, wait for police/EMS. If visibility is poor or if it’s dark outside, turn on your hazard lights and wait for the police.
4. Gather information
Once you have determined that it’s safe around your surroundings gather information from the following:
- Take photos of the license plate and vehicle make model
- Take photos of the other person’s drivers license
- Take photos of the other driver’s insurance card make and model of all vehicles involved
- Eyewitnesses: names and contact info
- Location of the accident (street names, nearby address)
- The name and badge number of any responding police officers
5. Once you are home and safe, call the Lovett Law Firm for assistance.
Know your rights and know your options. The insurance company does not have your best interest in mind; anything you say can and will be used against you. While they may be very nice and helpful on the phone, they will not be nice when they have to pay out your car or medical bills. Call our office before you speak with them.
You have the right to hire an attorney to help you seek medical costs, lost wages, and more. Particularly if you have a long-term injury and may need treatment over months, years, or a lifetime, our El Paso and Las Cruces personal injury law firm, will fight to get you the money you deserve. We have more than 25 years of experience helping people in the El Paso and Las Cruces areas.
Call 915-757-9999 for our El Paso office or 575-523-5555 for our Las Cruces office for a free consultation.
We have successfully resolved over 6,000 car accident cases. We understand the pain and suffering and long-term consequences that arise from an auto accident. We can arrange for medical care for clients, even those without insurance. We work with clients to get payment for lost wages, damages, and pain and suffering in all types of accidents, including:
- Drunk driving accidents
- Texting and driving crashes
- Rollover accidents
- Uninsured motorist collisions
- Hit and runs
- Accidents in work zones
- Rear-end collisions and more
We strive to answer all of your questions and make sure you are on the right path for recovery. We can even explain all of the differences between uninsured and underinsured claims in West Texas and Southern New Mexico.