Steps to Take Following a Deadly Car Wreck
Auto accidents take place every single day throughout the United States, including on Dallas highways. With more than 675,580 lane miles of highways in Texas, it is no wonder we see serious, deadly accidents occur at an alarming rate. I-35, I-20, and I-10 are notorious for how busy they are throughout the morning, day, and into the evening. These highways are all ripe for accidents and play a part in hundreds of collisions. It seems nearly every day there is a news story involving another devastating accident, such as this one that took place on the Dallas North Tollway earlier this week [1].
Dallas Car Wrecks Stats
Thanks in part to the growing distractions of smartphones and other devices, auto accidents are more common than ever before. And we aren’t just talking your typical fender bender here – some of the most common accidents we see involve transportation network companies like Uber and Lyft. Here at Shamieh Law, our experience Uber and Lyft accident lawyer have represented countless individuals who are involved in accidents with Uber and Lyft drivers. These accidents are far more complicated than your old-fashioned car wreck, as there is a great deal of confusion regarding who is at fault and responsible.
This leads us to the question of what you should do following a serious car wreck. It is only natural to become panicked and stressed, especially if you were in an accident on one of Dallas’ major highways. I-35 in Dallas appears on the list of dangerous highways more than any other highway in Texas, which shows just how at risk drivers are. Many of these highways have a much higher crash rate than others, for example, I-30 from I-35W west to Loop 820 in Tarrant County carries a crash rate of 203.57. When driving these deadly highways, it is imperative that you understand what to do, should you find yourself involved in an accident. Whether you’re involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler or a drunk driver, make sure you understand your rights and contact a car accident lawyer immediately.
Steps to Take Following a Deadly Car Wreck
If you’ve been involved in an accident on the highway or a side street, it is important for you to take the following safety precautions:
● Move to a safe area (if possible) – If you aren’t injured and the accident isn’t too serious, the first thing you should do is move to the shoulder of the road, out of harm’s way. It can be even more dangerous for you to remain in the middle of the highway, so do your best to move to the side if you can.
● Contact the police – Regardless of how minor or serious the accident is, one of the first things you should do is contact the police. A police accident report could prove to be invaluable, should you move forward with a lawsuit following the accident. Keep in mind you should never admit guilt or place blame on anyone else. Doing so could compromise the integrity of the investigation.
● Gather information – Once you’ve moved to the side and the police have been called, start collecting information from any other drivers involved. Get their name, address, phone number, and insurance information.
● Document the scene – Use your smartphone to take pictures of the scene of the accident. Take pictures of any injuries, damage to your car, and damage to the road.
● File an insurance claim – Once you are safe and have been treated for any injuries, contact your insurance company and get a claim started.
● Contact a lawyer – Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, there’s a good chance you will need a lawyer. Give Shamieh Law a call today and schedule a free consultation. We will go over your case with you and advise you on how to proceed from here on out.
Car wrecks are often severe and life-changing, especially due to how dangerous the Dallas highways are. If you have been involved in an accident in Dallas, please give Shamieh Law a call.