According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 6,296,000 people reported car crashes in 2015. The frequency of these accidents points to one thing: the need for training in case this happens to you, so that you avoid making the mistakes that could lead to serious consequences.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident and you were not at fault, an experienced personal injury lawyer, like MHM Law Group, APLC can help you. While it is extremely distressing to be involved in a car accident, it is crucial to stay calm and follow these instructions in order to protect yourself and your interests.

DO NOT, under any circumstances, leave the scene. It is a crime punishable by law, and can get you into serious trouble, especially if someone has incurred injuries or a fatal wound. Never leave until the relevant authorities arrive at the scene and allow you to do so. The next step that you should consider is driving the vehicles to the side of the road (if minor damages are involved), so that they are not blocking the way. However, if injuries have been incurred by you or others involved in the accident, or if moving the car(s) is dangerous, then exit from the vehicle and move to a safe location away from the scene. Please note that a professional personal injury lawyer like MHM Law Group, APLC can help you compensate for the injuries incurred. However, in order to provide them the information they need to make a strong case for you, you need to follow these instructions on the scene, for instance:

Once you have taken the necessary safety precautions, call the police for help. If there are any injuries involved, call an ambulance to receive prompt medical attention.

IMPORTANT: Some people may hesitate to call the police in minor accidents. However, it is essential to remember that the police can play a crucial role in easing the bottleneck of traffic caused by the accident, and to prepare accurate accident reports.

If your injuries do not prevent you from taking pictures from your phone, do so. Take as many photographs as you can, from various angles, of the accident scene, debris, and the damage to your car. Also, take pictures of your injuries (if any). These pictures will serve as record and help to prove your claims for damage by a competent personal injury lawyer that you can find right here at MHM Law Group, APLC. Finally, take pictures of, or at least note down, the license plate numbers of the vehicles involved.

If there are other drivers involved in the accident, then, after you have called the police and followed the basic safety procedures, exchange information like your name and insurance information. Please note that you are not liable to exchange personal details such as your home address. And once you have followed these procedures, contact MHM Law Group, APLC immediately so that we can help you receive full compensation.

Another mistake that we have seen over the years is that victims accept initial settlements immediately. This is disadvantageous, because at the early stages, your injuries may not be completely healed, and it may take time for your doctor to give you an accurate prognosis. If you have been injured in an accident, please reach out to MHM Law Group, APLC for an initial consultation so that we can assess your case and ensure that you receive the right compensation for your suffering. You can contact us at (818)996-9600, or email us at info@mhmlawgroup.com.