What should I do after being in an accident on Interstate 20?

 

If you are the victim of an auto accident on Interstate 20, you may be able to make a financial recovery after being injured. There are several things you should do to make sure your legal rights and best interests are protected. These include: 

1. Call 911 Immediately: If you’ve been in an auto accident on Interstate 20, taking care of yourself and your passengers first is important. Contact 911 immediately to have the police and paramedics respond to the scene. An ambulance can transport you and other injured victims to local hospitals. It is crucial to undergo a medical exam to determine your injuries and how bad they are. Hold on to any medical bills you receive, as you will need this information later. 
2. Request Law Enforcement at the Crash: Police will come to the scene and create a report of the auto accident. This report will show who was involved in the car crash, the insurance information of those involved, who was engaging in reckless driving practices, and what caused the accident. Get a copy of the police report for your records.
3. Secure the Scene: Secure the scene of the collision if you can do so. If possible, move the vehicle you were driving to the side of the road, so it is not blocking traffic. Turn on your four-ways (emergency lights) to warn other drivers on the roadway. If you cannot move your vehicle, do not leave it until it is safe. 
4. Gather Evidence from the Crash Site: Evidence that is found at the actual accident scene site can be critical when it comes to proving your side of the story. You will want to exchange insurance information with the other driver or drivers involved in the accident. If there are witnesses, get their contact information as well. Take pictures of the vehicles involved, the road conditions, and your injuries. These pictures will be beneficial when filing a claim for compensation later.
5. Cooperate With the Authorities: Following an auto accident, it is important to cooperate with the authorities while at the actual accident scene. This includes law enforcement, emergency medical personnel, and other first responders. When asked, you will want to provide your name and contact information to the police and medical responders. 
6. Contact Your Insurance Carrier: It is important to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Your insurance carrier will need some basic information from you to start the claims process. They will need your name, address, phone number, and policy number. They will also need to know what happened in the accident and who was at fault. Be sure to give them as much information as possible so that they can help you get the best possible outcome. It can be helpful for you to consult with a car accident attorney before speaking with your insurance carrier by requesting a free consultation. 
7. Keep Records: Following your collision, keeping records of what happened is vital. This includes taking pictures of the actual accident scene, getting the contact information of any witnesses, and writing down your recollection of events. You will want to keep medical bills that show your medical expenses, estimates to repair your vehicle, and other evidence to prove your damages.
8. Contact an attorney: It is important to find a law firm with extensive experience handling car accident cases in your state. This is especially true if you suffered injuries due to another motorist’s careless or reckless driving. Each state has its own laws governing car accidents, so it is crucial to find an attorney familiar with the laws in the state where your Interstate 20 car accident occurred.

 Taking these steps can help to ensure your legal rights and best interests are protected as you move forward from your car accident.