A car accident caused by another’s failure to comply with traffic laws can result in minor or major injuries. Tragically, the accident can result in death. If a family member is killed in an automobile accident, a family member can claim a wrongful death and sadly, they may be eligible to receive compensation for such distress.
Often times even if a car accident is minor, a person can go into shock. Many may be unaware that shock is considered an injury and needs medical attention quickly.
Data shows that over 100 people in the United States die in a highway accident everyday. There are some who have been in more than one accident but on average it’s said that a person will be in at least one accident in their lifetime.
Auto Accident Statistics.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, of the 3 million people that were injured in motor vehicle accidents in a recent year:
- 41,300 died (40% were alcohol related, 63% were attributed to improper use of seat belts)
- 2,600 children under the age of 15 were killed
- 7,500 young drivers (16-20) were involved in fatal crashes
- 3,000 motorcyclists were killed
- 4,700 pedestrians were killed
What Do You Do If You’re In A Car Accident?
- Seek medical attention immediately. Whether or not you are in pain shouldn’t determine if you should see a doctor or not. Following an accident a person’s nervous response can be a deterrent that causes you not to feel pain right away.
- Be sure to contact police and have them file a police report. Both documentation of the accident and medical reports are important for all who are in an accident.
- Were there people who witnessed the accident either by being part of it or seeing it? Ask for their contact information. The information provided will help your lawyer with the case.
- Remember to take pictures. This can be easily done using your cell phone at the scene of the accident. These pictures can be used by the reconstruction expert as well as help to speed up the process with your insurance claim.
- Be certain to have all the vehicle information of cars involved in the accident. This should entail the type of car (model), the year the car was made, the vehicle identification number, insurance company and policy number and driver’s license. This information is important both for your insurance company and for what you will provide in your documents for your lawyer.
Before contacting your insurance company make sure you have the information regarding your vehicle and other’s involved in the accident, available. Often times claims are promptly handled by your insurance company however when there’s been a personal injury or other damage, it is wise to consult with a lawyer. A family member can also consult with a lawyer on your behalf if the accident lead to severe injury.
