The following information answers frequently asked questions about auto accidents, provided by Koonz, McKenney, Johnson, DePaolis & Lightfoot L.L.P., a car accident law firm with offices in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
Q: How can auto accidents be prevented?
A: You can prevent auto accidents by paying attention to your driving at all times and by obeying all traffic rules and posted speed limits. You should also never get behind the wheel of a car if you feel that you are too tired to drive and you should never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. You should be cautious of other drives that appear to be aggressive, drunk, or otherwise dangerous. Always be courteous of others and maintain an adequate following distance. Keep your vehicle in good repair by taking it in for regular maintenance checks, regularly testing the vehicle’s fluid levels, and immediately reporting any problems with your vehicle to a local car repair shop.
Q: If I have been involved in an auto accident, should I go to the doctor?
A: Possibly. Immediately following the accident, you should check to see whether you have sustained any injuries. If your injuries appear serious or if you are not sure of the extent of your injuries, you should immediately call 911 and go to the hospital. If you do not appear to have sustained any severe injuries, you should still watch for any signs of injury in the hours and days following the accident. Oftentimes, pain from an accident does not start occurring until twelve to fourteen hours following the accident. If you notice any pain, difficulty remembering, or other discomfort, contact a physician immediately.
Q: Should I contact the police?
A: Yes. You should contact the police immediately following an accident, even if the accident appears to be minor. If you vehicle sustains long-term damage or if you suffer injuries that are not apparent until hours after the accident, it is important that you have the accident on file to prove that the accident occurred and to demonstrate which party was at fault. This will help when you contact a Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia car accident attorney to fight for your rights in your case.
Q: What information should I record following an accident?
A: You should record the following information immediately after an auto accident:
- The location, date, and time of the accident
- All parties involved, including any witnesses to the accidents
- Description of the vehicles involved, including the make and model of each vehicle
- The injuries that you have sustained, including any minor injuries
- Insurance information for the other driver(s) involved in the accident
Recording this information will enable you to more accurately recall any details of your accident during trial, as well as aid you in correctly relaying any information to your attorney.
Q: Should I take pictures of the accident scene?
A: If you have a camera available at the accident scene, you should take photographs to document the accident, even if the police also take pictures. If you do not have a camera available at the scene, you should still take photographs of your vehicle after you leave the accident scene, to document the property damage that has been sustained.
Q: Should I consult an attorney?
A: After an accident, you should contact a qualified Virginia, Maryland, or Washington DC car wreck lawyer who can answer any questions that you may have. If you later decide to pursue a claim against the party responsible for your accident, such an attorney can assist you in investigating the facts and law surrounding your case, as well as helping you determine what actions to take against the negligent party.
Q: What types of driver behavior constitute negligence?
A: Negligent activities that often lead to transportation accidents include:
- Inattention to road conditions
- Inability to signal properly when switching lanes or making a turn
- Exceeding the speed limit
- Running off the road or out of the proper lane
- Failure to properly maintain vehicle
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Defective vehicle equipment
Q: What type of compensation am I entitled to receive?
A: The type and amount of compensation you are entitled to depend on the nature of the accident, as well as the extent of your damages. If the accident is due to another’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills, including emergency room fees, surgical procedures, and any other hospital costs
- Lost wages resulting from your injury
- Costs of rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Disability or disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death, including loss of companionship and loss of financial support
- Other out-of-pocket expenses resulting from the accident
If you have been injured in a transportation accident in the Washington DC Metro area, it is important to contact a Virginia, Maryland, or Washington DC car wreck lawyer who can assist you in pursuing your claim. If you are in need of assistance, the car accident attorneys at Koonz, McKenney, Johnson, DePaolis & Lightfoot, L.L.P., are available to answer any questions you may have regarding your accident.
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