Posted on Monday, January 7th, 2019 at 6:44 pm
Car accidents are one of the most common causes of personal injury in Sacramento and throughout the United States. Each year, thousands of people in our area are injured in automobile accidents. We often discuss the long-term consequences of a car accident and how to protect your rights. However, it is also important to discuss how to keep yourself safe immediately following a car crash.
Be Careful if You Must Get Out of Your Vehicle
Some people are injured because they exit their vehicles in heavy traffic. If you are in an accident on a busy road, you may want to avoid getting out of your vehicle unless it is unsafe to remain in your car. Passing vehicles can pose a significant threat, especially when traffic is moving at high rates of speed. A driver may not stop in time to avoid a collision with vehicles that are already stopped for the accident.
Move to a Save Location When Possible
In most cases, it is advised to pull to a safe location on the side of the road if possible. However, you must use your own judgment to do what is best to keep yourself and others safe depending on the conditions at the time of the crash. If you are on the side of the road, stay in your vehicle if it is safe to do so. Otherwise, move as far away from traffic as safely possible.
Trust Yourself About Your Pain and Limits
If you feel something is wrong, it may be best to stay where you are until help arrives. Moving after an accident could cause injuries to become worse. Pay close attention to your pain and do not attempt to push yourself beyond your limits. Call for help and wait for help to arrive.
See a Doctor After an Accident
Regardless of the severity of your injuries, it is usually best to have a physical after an accident. If you continue to experience pain or stiffness a few days after an accident, you need to discuss your symptoms with a doctor to determine if you have sustained an injury in the car crash.
Protecting Your Legal Rights After a Car Crash
After you take care of your physical needs, it is time to take care of the legal aspects of a car crash. If another driver caused the crash, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses. An insurance adjuster may approach you to discuss the claim and may even offer to settle the claim.
To protect your legal rights, you can discuss your case with a Sacramento car accident attorney during a free consultation. The attorney can review the facts in your case and advise you of your legal rights and the steps you should take to increase your chance of receiving a full and fair settlement for your claim.
Call a Sacramento Car Accident Attorney for a Free Case Review
If you are injured in a traffic accident in Sacramento County or the surrounding area, contact The Tiemann Law Firm by calling (916) 999-9000 or by visiting our website.