Few things are more frightening than being involved in a car or truck accident. Being hit by another driver – or hitting someone yourself – can be both a physically and mentally traumatic experience. You might be so shaken up after the crash that you don’t know what to do. Here are some tips for what to keep in mind if you are involved in an auto accident in Virginia.
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), one in eight drivers will be involved in a traffic collision this year. The NCS recommends that drivers in an accident follow the steps below:
Stop your vehicle – make sure the location where you stop is clear, safe and legal.
Move your vehicle – if it is clear, safe and legal, move your vehicle out of the traveled roadway. You don’t want to get hit again because you are in the way of passing traffic. However, keep in mind that in some states it is against the law to move the vehicle from the place where the crash occurred. Know the ordinance in your area.
Ignition off – turn the ignition off in every car involved in the accident.
Check for injury – do a first aid check on everyone involved in the collision.
Call the authorities – you should call the police when you are involved in a traffic accident, and if there are injuries you also need to call for emergency medical services.
Mark the scene – make the accident scene stand out for authorities and other motorists by marking it with retro-reflective triangles.
Get contact information – As soon as you can, get the names and contact information for everyone involved in the crash. Also get the contact information for any people who witnessed the incident.
Take notes – draw a diagram of the accident, including how the vehicles hit, where the victims were sitting in each vehicle, the direction of travel for each vehicle, and what lane they were in. Also make a note of the date and time of the accident and the weather conditions. This information could be very helpful later on if you end up needing the help of an attorney.
Exchange information – request to see the other driver's license and write down the number. Also get the other driver’s insurance information. While doing all this, do not discuss who was at fault or make any statements about the accident. You should only talk to the police, and stick to the facts. If you say too much, it could prove problematic for you later when you try to hire an attorney.
Get the police report – make sure you get a copy of the police report about your incident the local precinct. Check to make sure the information on it is accurate.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a serious auto accident in the Norfolk or Virginia Beach area, you may be looking for an experienced attorney. Please contact the personal injury attorneys at Tavss Fletcher to discuss your motorcycle accident injury case for no fee and absolutely no obligation.
TAVSS FLETCHER
RBC Centura
555 East Main Street, 14th Floor
Norfolk, VA 23510
Telephone: (757) 625-1214
Facsimile: (757) 622-7295