Hundreds of traffic incidents are reported in Hawaii each year, and many people die as a result. While it’s simple to believe that accidents solely affect “the other guy,” it can happen to you. Unexpected car accidents happen, and before you realize what has occurred, you are at a crash scene waiting for aid.
While you cannot always stop accidents, you can prepare yourself to be protected when they happen. Here are the steps to take when hurt in a car accident in Hawaii.
Check your injuries and call an ambulance.
If injured in a car accident, calling an ambulance as soon as possible should be the next action. Tell the dispatcher the street you’re on, the direction you were going, the closest intersection of roads or mile markers, or any other landmarks that can help explain your location so that emergency personnel can find you more quickly.
Accident scenes can be hazardous due to the commotion and moving traffic in the immediate vicinity. Let the dispatcher know if you believe somebody is in danger or if there are dangers around, such as electric wires dangling overhead or fuel leaks.
Gather evidence
After an accident, you’ll want to get paid for any property damage and bodily injuries you’ve sustained. There must be proof of the other driver’s negligence or wrongdoing for you to receive fair insurance compensation. A significant component of your claim may be evidence acquired at the scene of the accident.
Initially, ask the other driver for contact information, name and address, details about a vehicle’s registration, driver’s license, and insurance details.
For each car involved in the collision, note the make, model, year, license plate number, validity date, and vehicle identification number (VIN). If a witness is willing to cooperate, get their name, address, phone number, and email address, as well as their willingness to write a statement.
Cooperate with the officer
When there are injuries, traffic issues, or dangers near the accident scene, police are called to the scene. After securing the site, the police will investigate the accident and who was at fault.
You must comply with instructions given to you by a police officer, including those asking you to wait. Give your statement and avoid speculating. Getting a copy of the police report is also advisable if possible.
Seek medical attentuon
Your health comes first, and the next step you should take is to seek professional medical attention. Even if your injuries are minor, a full medical examination is essential to ascertain their extent and determine whether you have suffered internal injuries that have not manifested yet.
Seek a car accident attorney
Your ability to conduct insurance discussions and legal proceedings on your own is constrained if you have been seriously hurt in an accident. When the insurance provider makes its “final” offer, you probably won’t have the expertise or stamina to battle them if you don’t have legal counsel. Therefore engaging a Hawaii car accident lawyer is advisable to protect your rights.
conclusion
Acting right after a car accident improves your chances of a successful claim.