Texting And Driving Accidents
In 2016, nearly 38,000 people were killed on American roads as a result of distracted driving, which includes the subsection of texting and driving. Texting and driving is extremely dangerous and has been found in a variety of studies to be more dangerous than someone operating a vehicle with a .08 BAC, meaning that in some cases, texting while driving can be even more dangerous than drunk driving. If you are injured in a St.Louis car accident that someone else caused by their decision to use their mobile device while driving, you have every right to be upset by their dangerous and irresponsible decisions, and we will be happy to help you through the claims process in order to get the justice that you deserve.
After you are in an accident with a distracted driver, you will likely find yourself overwhelmed, stressed, and angry—all of these emotions are understandable. When you are working with an experienced personal injury attorney in St.Louis who has a history of success with car accidents, like the team at Hipskind & McAninch, LLC, you can focus on your recovery while we work to alleviate these emotions for you by giving you the support you need and deserve.
Read more below to get a better idea of how you can handle the first steps after a car accident with someone who was texting and driving and contact us as soon as possible to get started on your case immediately. During your initial consultation with our team, you will be able to discuss the specifics of your accident, your injuries, and any communications that you have already had with law enforcement, the other insurance company, your doctor, and more.
What To Do After an Accident With Someone Who Was Texting While Driving
The following steps assume a lot of things about an accident that may not resemble your own situation, so keep in mind that this is only intended to be a general guide that might not apply much to your accident.
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
As with any accident, it is important to stay as calm as possible while you are sorting out the initial situation. After the crash, check yourself and your other passengers to get an idea of any injuries that have been sustained, and report all of these injuries to the 911 operator if you are able to call. This will be helpful for the first responders so that they have an idea of what they can expect upon arrival.
Call 911 and Work With the First Responders
If you are able to, call 911 and inform the operator about the situation, where you are located, and what sort of serious injuries have been sustained in your vehicle or if there are other injuries that are apparent. When the police and EMTs arrive on the scene, make sure that the EMTs are able to inspect your injuries while you are also speaking with police and helping them gather information about the accident report. It is important that you tell the police that the other driver was using their cellphone because this is essential information to be added to the accident report and will be central to your upcoming insurance claim.
Get Medical Attention
Whether you need to take an ambulance to an emergency room, or if you are able to leave the scene of the accident under your own power, it is important that any and all of your injuries are checked and addressed by a medical professional. Just as the accident report will be central to your case, a clear and extensive record of your injuries will be equally important so that all of the relevant details about the case are clear to the claims adjuster and your attorney.
Contact Hipskind & McAninch, LLC Today
Once you have addressed your most immediate needs, contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation about your accident. When speaking with our team, you will be able to discuss your concerns and anxieties, and finish your call with the confidence that you need in order to move forward with this case. The legal issues surrounding a car accident and a claims process is confusing to most people, and can be especially overwhelming when you are additionally trying to manage other issues such as the damage to your vehicle, the days missed at work, and more.