Kirk Bernard

The holidays are a time when traffic accidents multiply, not only because of an increase in people driving under the influence, but also because the weather begins to change and people are still adjusting to driving in stormy weather and in the dark. It’s always a shock when you get in a car accident because we all live in a bubble and tend to believe that bad things cannot happen to us. Hopefully, nothing bad will happen.

That said, it is always important to be prepared. It can make a huge difference when it comes to protecting yourself and knowing your rights. If you are involved in a car accident, here are some tips that you might find useful:

1. Keep an emergency kit in your glove compartment. Drivers should carry a cell phone, a notepad and paper, a disposable camera to take photos of the accident scene and a card about allergies or conditions that may require special attention if there are serious injuries. It is also important to keep a list of contact numbers handy. It’s also a good idea to have a set of cones or emergency flares in the trunk.
2. Move your vehicle out of the roadway as safely and quickly as possible. Of course, this doesn’t apply to a serious accident. But where minor accidents are concerned, it’s a good idea to remove your vehicle from the roadway so it doesn’t result in additional accidents or more serious accidents. If the car cannot be moved, drivers and passengers should remain in the vehicle with seatbelts fastened until help arrives. The hazard lights should be on.
3. After the accident, always exchange information with the other party including name, address, phone number, insurance company, policy number, driver license number and license plate number for the driver and owner of each vehicle. Also, make a written description of the car, make, model, year and color. Never tell anyone that the accident was your fault even if you may think at the time that it was your fault.
4. Carefully photograph and document the accident. This is where your disposable camera will come in handy. Draw diagrams that show the position of each vehicle. If you find witnesses, get their contact information. Witnesses are extremely valuable in an auto accident case especially when multiple vehicles and victims are involved. They may be able to corroborate your account of what happened.
5. File an accident report. This often helps insurance companies speed up the claims process.
6. Contact an experienced Seattle personal injury lawyer immediately. Especially in serious car accidents, every minute is precious because valuable evidence at the scene may be lost. Retain the services of an attorney right away, especially if the accident involves serious injuries or fatalities.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Washington auto accident, please contact the experienced Washington personal injury attorneys at The Bernard Law Group at 1-800-418-8282 or info@bernardlawgroup.com for a FREE comprehensive and confidential consultation. We can also send you our FREE informational brochure, which has useful educational information about auto accidents that will help you better understand your legal rights and options. Get in touch with Kirk Bernard and his skilled legal team today.