When you are involved in an accident, it can be incredibly jarring. However, when you sustain injuries, these matters can go from serious to urgent. As such, understanding the steps you should take in the aftermath of a collision caused by a negligent driver is critical. If you’re unsure how to proceed, you’ll want to keep reading to learn more about these matters, including the importance of working with a Sacramento auto accident lawyer to help you recover the compensation you deserve for the injuries you have suffered.
What Are Common Reasons an Accident May Occur?
Generally, one of the most common causes of accidents is driver error. This occurs when drivers aren’t intentionally breaking the law, like speeding or texting while driving, but rather misjudging the speed of an approaching driver when making a turn, or trying to make it through a yellow light when they should have stopped.
While driver error is a common cause of collisions, another increasing issue is distracted driving. As cellphones have become ingrained in daily life, more and more drivers are utilizing their cellphones while behind the wheel. This not only requires driver to avert their eyes from the road, minds off driving, and take their hands off the wheel. As such, drivers who text are more likely to be involved in an accident.
What Steps Should I Take if I’m Hurt?
In the event you are hurt in a car accident, it’s imperative to take the necessary steps following the collision. Generally, the most important thing you can do in the immediate aftermath of an accident is to seek medical attention. Typically, this includes seeking treatment for the injuries you’ve sustained at the scene of the accident through the care of emergency medical technicians. These individuals can provide emergency care while transporting you for further care if necessary. If you do not require further care at the hospital, you should plan to follow up with your primary care provider.
It’s also important to understand that once you have sought medical care, it’s critical to ensure that you adhere to the orders and medical advice provided by your medical provider. This is critical in ensuring you can recover the compensation you deserve. When you file a claim against a negligent driver for compensation following an accident, their insurance company will obtain access to your medical history, including reports from your doctor. As such, if you do not adhere to the orders of your physician, the other party can claim you have contributed to your damages by failing to follow the orders of your medical provider.
One of the most important things you can do, however, after an accident, is to ensure you connect with an experienced attorney. At the Law Offices of Dale R. Gomes, our dedicated legal team understands how difficult these matters can be. That is why our firm will examine all possible options to help you fight for the best possible outcome. We will do everything in our power to help you recover the compensation and justice you deserve when you’ve been injured by a negligent driver. Contact us today to learn more.
