It’s normal to be in shock at a wreck scene, even if you’re not badly hurt.
However, it’s important to try and get control of your emotions and protect yourself as soon as you can.
Obviously, your physical safety is the first concern: if you can, get away from flames or moving vehicles and get out of the road if you’ve been ejected from your car.
After that, be as careful as you can at the scene. Other drivers will often claim, “it was my fault, let’s just settle between ourselves, I’ll pay for your ER bill.” Even if they’re telling the truth (they’re often not, and will sing a different song if the police arrive) they just don’t know what they’re talking about.
A simple, one-time ER visit can easily cost upwards of $10,000, and long-term treatment for something as straightforward as physical therapy will run into the thousands or tens of thousands of dollars as well. That’s why people have auto insurance in the first place.
Get everyone’s name, address and telephone number, and if anyone leaves the scene, get a picture of their license plate or at least write it down immediately. We can help you back-track them through DMV if they are a witness, or we can get the information to the District Attorney for the appropriate police force to track them down if they are the defendant.
We want to help you gather evidence and then use it to protect you, your claim, and your family. Contact us today by using our website form here, or call us at 919-348-4361 for a free, no-risk consultation.
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