A report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimated that 25,580 people died and many more were injured in 2012 auto accidents from January through September. Being prepared before an accident can enable a victim to obtain all the necessary information that will be helpful to their case.
Consulting a Gwinnett County attorney after an auto accident enhances a victim's ability to receive a reasonable settlement. If you have been injured in an automobile accident you should discuss your case with an accident attorney at Shane Smith Law.
According to an NHTSA report that studied police reports over a five-year period, the most common automobile accidents were:
- Rear-end collisions
- Multi-vehicle accidents at intersections
- Lane changing
- Side-swipe collisions
- Defective road/potholes/roadway debris
- Traffic lights that were out of order/signs that had been removed or fallen
All drivers should be prepared in the event they are accident victims. Some simple steps they should follow include:
- Have your driver's license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration readily accessible and in a logical place. Emergency personnel may need to locate these documents if a victim is unconscious.
- Have a pen and a notebook or note paper in the car if you need to document accident information. This would include the at-fault driver's information including his name, address, driver's license number, insurance provider, and policy number. Witness names and contact information should also be recorded. Names of responding law enforcement officers and the officer who is writing the police report will also be helpful information to provide to an attorney.
- Keep a warning sticker on the dashboard or glove compartment if the driver has a medical condition. Auto accident victims may be unable to speak or may lose consciousness. Heart monitors may be damaged in an accident. Insulin-dependent victims need specific care if they receive intravenous medical attention.
- Know how to use a camera phone to document accident details including wide scene photos and close-up vehicle damage.
If you or someone you know has been hurt in an auto accident, meet with a Gwinnett County auto accident lawyer. Call Shane Smith Law to schedule a free legal consultation.