Being Prepared for an Automobile Accident

English: Car accident near Dammsjön, Säter Municipality, Sweden. Svenska: Trafikolycka nära Dammsjön, Säters kommun, Sverige. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Late Tuesday evening, Los Angeles witnessed a horrific automobile accident. Three victims were declared dead at the scene and one was rushed to the hospital – his situation unknown.

In South Los Angeles, a vehicle crashed into a pole and then burned from the resulting fire. Four people were involved in the accident, three of whom were impossible to save as the fire was too impenetrable, and one who had been ejected from the car and free from the flames’ grasp.

It is unclear currently what caused the accident, but evidence seems to point to the driver moving at high speeds. There also may have been a second car that fled the scene.

Tragic accidents like this remind people how easy it is to lose control of a vehicle. Sometimes the accidents that cause the most damage to the car will leave the driver and passengers unharmed; and sometimes hitting a pole can result in a much more destructive ending than expected.

Cars and car accidents are unpredictable. Other drivers are also unpredictable. Collisions can happen to anyone, so it is important to know what to do after one has occurred.

First, never leave the scene. Leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense. If Tuesday night’s accident did involve another driver, he/she will be criminally prosecuted if found. The police should be contacted immediately to assess the accident, damages, and injuries. Filing a police report is essential, especially if a trial arises from the crash.

It is crucial to take notes or pictures if possible. Having physical proof of what happened is one-hundred-percent reliable compared to memories. This is also why filing a police report is helpful as it’s an immediate recount of what just occurred. During the couple of days following the incident, write down details remembered and any injuries suffered, as they may not become apparent until then.

After that, filing an insurance claim is required. Whether at fault or not, each driver must file a claim to cover damages suffered. Having an attorney can be very helpful during this time, especially if the damages suffered are severe. Read more about how a great lawyer can help in any accident.