| Accidents happen everyday, but when it happens | | | | I am not suggesting that if the other driver |
| to you, you are bound to be a little unsure of | | | | speeds away you go on a high speed chase to |
| what to do at the scene. Here are the top five | | | | get their info. No. There is no reason to risk being |
| things you should consider at the scene of your | | | | injured or further injured for money. |
| accident. | | | | 4. Take photos of the scene. |
| 1. Get to a safe place. | | | | This tip is quite different than the others. If you |
| One thing that always astonishes me is when | | | | are not injured and in a safe place, then go ahead |
| people who are in accidents leave their cars in the | | | | and start making all of your phone calls. Usually, |
| middle of the road. Then, they start walking | | | | people call their family, their work, or insurance |
| around the road like that is normal. It is wrong. | | | | company. These are all quite normal and |
| Get your car off the road if it is safe to do. | | | | reasonable. Now, use that cell phone for yourself. |
| Safety is the most important thing. Other cars | | | | Take some photos of the scene. Is there road |
| are not paying attention looking for wrecks, so | | | | construction? Is it dark? Damage to your car? Is |
| they may not be paying attention and see your | | | | there damage to their car? Tire marks? |
| cars. Make sure you are safe and can get to a | | | | 5. Do not let a bad situation get worse. |
| safe location. | | | | Try not to deviate too much from the above |
| 2. Call 911. | | | | unless it is for safety purposes. Safety is the |
| Everyone has a cell phone now days. So, if you | | | | most important thing after an accident. Think how |
| have one, call 911 immediately. Do not rely on the | | | | to keep yourself safe. Think how to keep the |
| other driver or assume the police and an | | | | other driver safe. If you follow these tips, you will |
| ambulance will just show up. Go ahead and give | | | | be ahead of the game. Your personal injury |
| the call them. The other driver may be injured. | | | | lawyer will be able to focus on the damages |
| Sometimes, even though the other driver is | | | | portion of your car accident case. |
| responsible for the accident, they suffer more | | | | Free Tip! |
| severe injuries. Safety first. Regardless of who is | | | | I went to law school at the New Orleans School |
| to blame for the accident, call 911 immediately. | | | | of Law in Louisiana. They have a concept their |
| 3. Get information about the other driver. | | | | called Lagniappe. This means to get a little |
| This is so important. You must get the tag | | | | something more for free or an unexpected |
| number. You must get the insurance information. | | | | additional gift. So, here is your lagniappe. Seek |
| You must wait for the police to arrive, unless you | | | | medical attention after the wreck at the hospital. |
| are leaving by ambulance, of course. If you fail to | | | | Your adrenaline is pumping. You may not start to |
| get the information about the other driver, things | | | | hurt until later, but early treatment can go along |
| will not go well. You will be upset with yourself. | | | | way. You will feel better about it in the long run. |
| You will have less recovery for your injuries. Now, | | | | |
