Educate Yourself BEFORE it Happens: A Car Accident Safety Checklist

The fact of the matter is, if you haven't been in a car accident yet, if you're a driver, you probably will.  According to forbes.com, the average person experiences about three to four car accidents in their lifetime.  Most of us experience the first before 34 years old.

The experience of a car accident brings about one predominant emotion:  total, full-body panic.  We don't think clearly after we've been in a car collision.  

This is exactly why the time to educate yourself about what to do is before the car accident, not after! 

We’ve created a simple checklist to simplify and streamline what you should do if you’ve been in a car accident.  It's important to note that this checklist doesn't apply only to what you would do after a typical car-on-car accident.  This list also applies if you have been in an accident with a truck, or if you were in an accident involving a motorcycle or bicycle as well.

1.      Call the Police.

Right away.  It seems like the most obvious step, but to someone who’s just been in a disastrous accident, it may be difficult to remember.  Calling the police after a car accident injury is often of vital importance in establishing a timeline and fault.

2.      Seek Medical Attention.

If you are injured, go as soon as possible.  Many victims of car accidents in New Orleans who sustain injuries may not know they even have anything wrong until they get to the hospital.  Many New Orleans car accident victims don’t even get medical treatment. Sometimes, neck or back injuries pop up as a result of the accident, but weeks or months later.  Go to the hospital if you are injured, and go right away. 

3.      Take Photographs (or get someone else to if you are unable).

This might be difficult to do, but it’s also extremely important.  If you cannot take photographs, get someone else to take them, preferably on the scene of the car accident. 

4.      As soon as you can, call an Attorney.

After you are done with your medical treatment, and you are comfortable enough to do so, seek legal assistance.  It doesn't cost a thing to call us and ask about what to do next.  

When a car accident case is accepted by a reputable law firm, it is often typically taken on a contingency basis.  This means that the attorney does not get paid if and until you do.  This is often because we know that the injuries and missed work sustained after a car accident is enough of a financial burden.