Accident Guide
Important Suggestions
The lawyers of
Larry King Law located in Newport News and representing throughout Hampton Roads, want
everyone to be safe and free from harm. Regretfully, the world is a dangerous
place and chances are that one-day a careless or reckless person will
injure you or a loved one. Accidents can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere.
When an accident happens, we are here to help. After obtaining medical
care for yourself and others, some important first steps will help protect
your legal interest. You should gather and retain as much information
as possible. Take photographs or videos. Be careful about what you say.
Document your injuries. Then immediately
contact us or call Larry King at 757-209-2265 for a free case evaluation.
The following further suggestions are applicable to most types of accidents.
Be Calm
Stay calm and alert. Accidents are unexpected and can generate powerful
emotions. Remaining calm and clear-headed will allow you to more objectively
take positive actions. Try to be polite and cordial. Do not become hostile
to the others who may be involved.
Call 911 for the Police and Medical Care.
Always call the police or other responsible authorities when involved in
an accident. Always request medical assistance for those injured. Always
report your injuries no matter how slight. Injuries frequently become
worse. Seek prompt medical attention.
Do Not Discuss the Accident
Do not take blame for the accident. Exchange information required by law
but do not make any other statements. Cooperate with the authorities but
do not make any damaging comments. Anything you say can be used against
you. Remember that you have a right to talk with a lawyer before making
any statements.
Preserve the Scene
The scene of an accident is the place or location where the injury occurred.
It includes the actual physical location plus any physical evidence, items,
articles, machinery, products, vehicles, and anything tangible that helps
explain the cause of an accident. It is extremely important to call the
police or other authorities that are responsible for investigating the
accident or resulting injuries. Take complete photographs and videos of
the scene, including the resulting injuries.
Gather the Record Information
Get the names, addresses and telephone numbers of all witnesses. Many witnesses
of accidents leave without giving any information. Do not rely on the
investigating officials to obtain this information. Keep notes of all
important facts.
Preserve all Evidence
Evidence includes all tangible and intangible items or information pertaining
to the accident. It includes, for example, statements, cars, machines,
items, clothing, photographs, videos, scene photographs, medical records,
bills, and so forth. Keep all evidence in a secure location. Do not destroy
or discard anything. Know where all relevant physical items are located.
Do not give authority to anyone to remove, obtain, possess, or destroy anything.
Injuries and Damages
You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Awarding monetary
damages is the law's method of putting the wrongfully injured party,
as closely as possible, into a position equal to that position before
he or she was injured. You may have the right to recover money for damages
such as pain and suffering, temporary and permanent disability, reasonable
expenses for medical and hospital care, future expenses for medical care
or rehabilitation, loss of income, and damages to property. Be sure to
document all your injuries.
Your Insurance Company
You must promptly report the accident to your company. Failure to do so
could result in a loss of coverage. It is prudent to talk to your attorney
first. Remember their interest may not be the same as yours. When an accident
happens, they are a business, and you are an expense.
Any other Insurance Company
The biggest mistake people make is talking to the other insurance company.
Trained adjustors or attorneys always represent insurance companies. Remember
your interest is not their interest. You are their expense. They want
to get out of a claim as quickly and as cheaply as possible, no matter
what the consequences are to you. Protect yourself. Do not give them a
statement, particularly a recorded statement. Do not sign anything for
them. You are not required to talk to the other insurance company.
Larry King handles all types of accidents. For the individual attention
you deserve and a full explanation of your rights,
call Larry King for a free consultation.