Persuasive Essay On Texting And Driving

According to the National Safety Council, mobile device usage accounts for 26 percent of motor vehicle crashes, with an estimated five percent of these vehicular accidents involving texting. Furthermore, the highest percentage of alcohol-related traffic fatalities occur during the three day period around New Year's day. These two statistics need to be of concern to every driver on the road.

Although every accident doesn't result in a death, 5,400,000 non-fatal car crashes are recorded every year, as Statistic Brain reports, and anyone injured in a motor vehicle accident needs a huntsville alabama attorney to assist them. Legal representation ensures a person's rights are protected as they move through the process of obtaining compensation

and recovering from their injuries. What to do after a car accident? This is a question every driver needs the answer to also.

Remain On Scene

Drivers involved in a vehicular accident should never leave the scene.

In the event a person has been injured or killed in this accident, anyone who leaves the scene may be considered a hit-and-run driver. Wait until authorities arrive and give permission for individuals to leave.

Assess Injuries

Everyone present on the scene needs to be checked for injuries and emergency help called for, if needed. Don't move any injured persons unless there are hazardous conditions requiring they be moved. Wait until qualified medical personnel arrive to help those who are injured.

Contact Emergency Personnel

When any person has been injured or killed or significant property damage has been sustained, emergency personnel need to be called. Request that a police report be completed on the incident and obtain a copy of this report. In addition, be sure to get the names of the responding officers.

Gather Information About Witnesses

Obtain contact information from all parties involved in the accident and all witnesses, including names and addresses. For those involved in the accident, get license plate numbers and drivers' license numbers. Get insurance information from all drivers involved also. Be polite and cooperative throughout this process, but never admit guilt or apologize for the incident.

Contact Insurance

Companies

Contact the insurance company as soon as possible. Explain what happened clearly and never lie, as individuals who lie may find their insurance company will not pay out. Share information from the police report with the insurer also.

Obtain Medical Care

Individuals who have been injured need to obtain medical care, if they did not do so on the scene. Keep records of all medical visits and treatment received, and request copies of any medical reports and/or bills to share with the insurance provider. Pain and suffering may be harder to prove in an automobile accident, thus individuals need to document how their daily life has been affected as a result of their injuries. In addition, keep a record of any routine activities that can no longer be completed and how the injuries have impacted family life. A huntsville alabama attorney uses this information when determining appropriate compensation.

Photos Are Helpful

Document injuries and property damage immediately. The insurance adjuster can uses the images to determine a property settlement offer, and an attorney may use them in court to prove the case. Before and after photos are best, as they show the vehicle prior to the accident and after.

Obtain A Valuation Of The Property Damage

Request a copy of this valuation from the insurance company. If the offer doesn't seem fair, obtain a minimum of two independent estimates, and discuss these estimates with the insurance adjuster. Mediation may be helpful during this process.

Don't Discuss The Accident

Only speak to an attorney, the personal insurance company and law enforcement. Avoid speaking to representatives from insurance companies representing the other drivers. Be sure to inform the attorney and insurance company about contact with any other individuals.

Consider Hiring An Attorney

Insurance companies try to settle quickly, offering a low settlement. Speak to an attorney before agreeing to any offer. Problems may arise down the road, so the settlement must be thoroughly evaluated. As most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, individuals don't have to worry about money to work with these professionals.

Morris, King & Hodge P.C. recently was named as one of the Best Lawyers in America in the 2016 edition of this prestigious peer review publication. This honor is considered the highest one can receive in this industry. Individuals in need of huntsville injury lawyers recognize they can count on this firm in their time of need. The accident lawyers are known for their compassion, experience, dedication and knowledge and have earned an AV rating through Martindale Hubbell for their professional excellence. Call on them following an automobile accident in huntsville for help and support. Doing so helps to reduce the stress and anxiety associated with an incident of this type.