Automobile accidents are not part of anyone’s plan for their day. Unfortunately, motor vehicle wrecks happen all across Mississippi and all over America every day, at all hours of the day and night. If you have an accident, take the following steps to ensure that you care for the needs of yourself and others and comply with the law.
The first thing you must do if you are involved in a motor vehicle wreck is to stop your vehicle. It is a crime to fail to stop at an accident scene, so do not even think about continuing on your way. Next, check yourself for injuries. Call 911 if you can, or if you are unable, ask someone to make the call for you. If you are unable to move or if it hurts to move, wait for emergency personnel to arrive. If you’re injured and you are not too hurt to move about, proceed with as many next steps as you can before first responders arrive. When they arrive, be sure to get your injuries evaluated before doing anything else, in case you need to go to the hospital.
If you can move, check on others in your vehicle and the other vehicle or vehicles involved in the wreck. Describe any injuries that you see to the emergency personnel on the phone, because information about what is happening at the accident scene is helpful to dispatchers.
Next, If your vehicle came to rest in the road, move it to the side if it is safe to do so to avoid creating a situation where oncoming traffic collides with it. Also, if people can get out of their vehicles, gather everyone at a safe place.
If you notice that no one has called 911 because no one is hurt, make the call to let police know about the crash. Police reports and accident investigations are essential documents that can help you pursue claims for injuries and damages after a motor vehicle wreck. More importantly, calling the police after a crash is a requirement of the law in many places.
After you have called for help, wait for help to arrive. While you wait, exchange information with the other drivers and share insurance information with them. You’ll want to exchange names and telephone numbers, insurance contact and policy information, and vehicle information such as the year, color, make, and model of each car involved in the crash. Don’t forget to note where the accident happened. Be sure not to make any statements claiming responsibility for the crash, even if you know it was your fault. Likewise, do not blame the other drivers or get into a shouting match with them.
If you have a camera on your phone, take pictures of the accident. These pictures can be valuable during the insurance claims process. Also, write down the name and badge number of all officers who respond to the accident and ask them where you can go to obtain a copy of the accident report.
If you were hurt or if someone in your family was killed in a motor vehicle wreck, we’re here to help. Call the Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys of Barrett Law PLLC at 1 (800) 707-9577 to arrange an initial consultation.