Mississippi automobile accidents happen every day. Besides automobile and property damage that occurs as a result, accidents can cause serious physical injuries, ranging from cuts and bruises, to traumatic brain injuries and even death. When negligent drivers are the cause of such accidents, injuries sustained by the other parties involved can be held against the negligent party, so long as their negligence in causing the accident can be shown. The following are several useful tips and considerations to ensure you are prepared and in the best position possible to move forward with a claim should you ever find yourself in the unfortunate circumstances of an auto collision:
- Recreating what occurred. When building a claim for an automobile accident case, it is essential to recreate what occurred throughout the course of the incident. Much of this includes gathering and presenting relevant information regarding the circumstances, such as the color of the street light signal, the speed limit in that particular area, the status of traffic at the time, weather conditions, and any other aspects of the scene and environment that may have contributed to the accident. It is important that the necessary information for a case is gathered immediately thereafter, or as soon as possible after the accident occurred, so that pertinent facts and testimony of the parties involved can go undisputed and remain properly accounted.
- Confirm all passengers are fine. In the aftermath of an auto accident, if you are able to, immediately check to verify that all the passengers in your car are fine and have not been seriously injured, requiring urgent attention. If possible and safe to do so, try taking photographs of the accident scene from different perspectives and angles prior to moving all vehicles. Using the camera on your mobile device is perfectly adequate and works as good as any other. Also, try writing down as many thoughts and details about the accident as you can remember, so that you can help reconstruct the series of events at a later time. Always remember, anything you say post-accident will be admissible in court and can be held against you. If feasible, move the vehicles off the road, to the side in a safe location. However, do not leave the scene of the accident unless there are emergency reasons requiring such action.
- Gather and exchange vital information. It is extremely important that you gather and exchange the appropriate and necessary information with the other drivers and witnesses involved in the accident. The primary details include name, phone number, address, and driver’s license numbers. Make sure to write down the make and model, color(s), and description for all automobiles in the accident. Next, acquire the insurance company and policy numbers for all parties involved. Lastly, be sure to get witness comments and statements regarding the accident before they leave the scene.
- If necessary, contact the local police. If there is property damage or if anyone has been injured in the auto accident, you should contact the local police to request their presence at the scene. Keep in mind, not every injury is apparent instantly. For example, neck and back injuries may reveal themselves weeks after the incident. Remember to always request a copy of the police report, even if it does not corroborate your story. The official documentation will always be important for your case in some way, shape or form.
Once you build a case against the other party and appear in court, it is likely the other party will have legal representation, and will and present a case that attempts to refute and discredit your own. Be prepared for the worst by hiring an attorney to help fight and counter the testimony given by the accused. If you have suffered injuries as a result of an auto accident and the negligence of another driver, you may be entitled to receive compensation for the damages sustained.
Contact the Giddens Law Firm at 601-355-2022, for a free consultation to bring a claim for injuries that you or your loved ones have suffered from an auto accident. Our experienced staff of attorneys has extensive knowledge and expertise in the area of automobile and insurance liability law. Call us today so that we can help you get the settlement you deserve!