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(USGovernment-News.Com, October 04, 2013 ) WINSTON-SALEM, NC – The North Carolina Department of Transportation reported a total of 209,671 total motor-vehicle crashes throughout the state in 2009. Even though cars have since increased in safety and fatal accidents have decreased to the lowest in 60 years, accidents still do happen.
If we are to put ourselves into a situation following a car accident, our heart would be racing, hands would be shaking, we would be frantically searching for our information in our glove box, and all of our instincts may fly out the window. At this point, we must take a deep breath and remember these five simple rules.
1. Never forget to report the accident to the police. Instead, always report your accident to law enforcement. No matter if the other driver seems to be nice, we never know if their insurance is up to date, or if they even carry insurance. Furthermore, fourteen percent of drivers do not have insurance, or carry an expired or stolen insurance card. If you can do so safely, take photos of the accident, license plates, and insurance card, as they may be needed later.
2. Never move your vehicle. Only move your vehicle if it is necessary, otherwise wait for a law enforcement official to arrive. Never exit your vehicle and stand next to it in a moving lane of traffic. Ask that others involved wait for the investigating officer prior to moving their vehicles. You may exchange information, however the officer will always ask for the same information when they arrive.
3. Never admit that an accident was your fault. This information can be used against you in court. You can ask if anyone has been injured, but do not volunteer information. Look for any witnesses to the accident as they may have seen the accident take place differently than you remember.
4. Never leave the scene of an accident. In some states it is a misdemeanor to drive off, however if someone is injured or killed, it could be upgraded to a felony.
5. Never argue with the officer in charge, even if you feel you are not at fault. Take a deep breath and take a moment to reflect. Realize that you are hopefully not injured, and then calmly speak to the officer remembering to be polite. In most cases, your insurance agency will take care of the accident, so make sure your account of the accident is consistent and accurate.
Following an accident it is best to file your claim on time to avoid missing the deadline and to have it resolved as quickly as possible. If you have been injured in the accident, you will need to seek immediate medical attention for your injuries, and you may want to contact an experienced North Carolina auto accident attorney, as medical expenses may begin to accumulate. By following these five simple steps, you will be safely back on the road in no time.
For more information on what you should do after a car accident, call us at 866-299-1769 or visit us at www.mikelewisattorneys.com today. Here we also offer free no-obligation consultations to injured victims of auto accidents.
About Mike Lewis Attorneys
A well-respected name in personal injury law, Mike Lewis Attorneys is committed to helping individuals who have been injured by the actions of another in the state of North Carolina. The personal injury lawyers at Mike Lewis Attorneys have a wealth of knowledge and experience in auto injury claims, premises liability, dangerous drug litigation, and product liability claims. Visit Mike Lewis Attorneys online at http://www.mikelewisattorneys.com for a free case evaluation and more information about your legal rights.
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