July 11, 2017 | Car Accidents
If you’ve been in a car accident, you’re obviously rattled. But there are some things that you can do to help mitigate the damage and to protect yourself and others at the scene of the accident. Familiarize yourself with common sense post-accident safety precautions, and know what to do in case of a car accident. Contact an Indianapolis car wreck attorney if you believe the driver who hit you was negligent.
If you’re involved in a car accident, first take a deep breath and then assess the danger of your surroundings. The most important first step – after ensuring that no one is injured – is identifying and avoiding the danger of oncoming traffic and moving the involved vehicles off the roadway. If no one is seriously injured and your car is moveable, move to the side of the road – or a safe location – before doing anything else.
Indiana recently passed a law that requires you to move your vehicle from the roadway after an accident if your car is moveable and if there are no injuries involved. If you’re involved in a fender bender, in other words, your first task is to get off the roadway. If the other driver refuses to do the same, you should still move your car. By leaving your car in traffic, you jeopardize not only your own safety but also the safety of other drivers on the road.
If you are unable to move your car, ensure that it’s completely stopped and then get out of it as soon as it’s safe to do so – employ your hazard lights and implement flares (or other safety devices) if you have them and if it’s safe to do so.
If someone’s been badly injured in the accident, call 911 immediately. If someone’s been injured, everyone should be focused on obtaining medical help for that individual. Even if someone has sustained what appears to be a minor injury, obtain medical help.
Once you’ve taken care of these safety concerns, document the scene of the accident by taking pictures with your phone and by obtaining contact information from anyone who may have witnessed your accident. This important information will help your car accident attorney investigate your case and ensure that you obtain the compensation you deserve.
At the Fountain Law Firm, P.C., we have successfully helped many car-accident victims obtain the compensation they deserve for their injuries and related losses. To make sure that you receive all the compensation to which you are entitled, it is important to have an experienced Indianapolis personal injury lawyer handling your case. Attorney Merry Fountain can help you today by meeting in her office or by meeting in your home. Call Merry Fountain anytime at 1-888-242-HURT (4878) for a free consultation.