No one wants to think about the possibility of bad things happening, especially when it comes to being involved in a vehicle accident. The truth is, accidents happen and with our busy highways and streets, depending on your driving habits, you are likely to be involved in some vehicle accident during your lifetime. The consequences of a crash can be far-reaching, whether you are at fault or not. It is wise to be aware of what you need to do before such an event occurs.
The main things to be considered if you are involved in a passenger van accident are:
- Determine if there are any injuries and if you are in a safe spot.
- Collect information
- Protect yourself from undue liability
Following each of these points will help establish a solid case if the accident was not your fault.
Get Help for the Injured
Major accidents almost always result in injuries, but even a seemingly minor passenger van accident can be the cause of extensive physical injury in Merced. Call 911 for those who are injured and be sure the police are informed. If possible, do not move an injured person until medical help arrives. The exception to this is when it is more dangerous to leave the person alone. If the vehicle is on fire or if the person is laying in the path of traffic, then he or she should be moved to safety. If you are able, offer assistance in making sure everyone is safe until help arrives.
Document the Passenger Van Accident
It is important to gather information from the other driver, witnesses, and passengers. Get names, addresses and phone numbers from everyone. You will also need the driver’s license number, license plate number and vehicle identification number of the other driver as well as his or her insurance information and contact number. You can use your smartphone to take pictures of these items.
Take pictures of the accident from all angles. Photos of the area will help you document road conditions, hazards, obstacles or anything else that may be beneficial. Additionally, you may want to get contact information from eye-witnesses if anyone is willing to write down what they witnessed, so much the better.
Look After Your Interests
Your natural inclination may be to apologize for the passenger van accident; however, restrain yourself from doing so. After calling for emergency help if needed, call the police. If the accident is minor, they may not need to come to the scene, but you will need to file an accident report. If the police do come, let them know if you are hurt, even if it is a minor injury. You want everything to be in the written report. Follow up with a visit to the doctor as soon as possible. Notify your insurance company or agent right away.
Anytime injuries are involved, it is wise to seek the counsel of an experienced personal injury lawyer. At Maison Law Firm we work on behalf of our clients to help them get fairly compensated for their losses. We do not get paid unless we win the case. We serve clients located in Visalia, Merced, Bakersfield, and Fresno. Call 559-203-3333 to schedule an appointment for a consultation or contact us via email at martin@maisonlaw.com.
