WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I’M INJURED IN A DISTRACTED DRIVING CRASH?

Distracted driving is all too common in the Los Angeles area. Even in 2019, after California had banned drivers from having a phone in their hands while driving, distracted driving continued to claim a significant number of lives in accidents on L.A. roads.

Even if you are lucky enough to survive in a crash with a distracted driver, you may suffer serious injuries. So what should you do if you are injured in a distracted driving accident?

Here are seven tips to follow if you are hit by a distracted driver:

1. If you can, move your vehicle to the side of the road, safely away from traffic.
2. Call 911 and report the accident to police. You want an official police report of where and when the accident occurred, plus any witness statements about the accident for your insurance claim.
3. Get medical help. Make sure a doctor examines you to determine how serious your injuries are and what treatment you will need. You want medical records about your injury for your insurance company when you file your personal injury claim.
4. Make sure you get the other driver’s name, address, telephone number and auto insurance coverage information.
5. Take photos of the accident damage and write down everything you remember about the accident.
6. Notify your insurance company of the accident and submit a property damage and personal injury claim.
7. Consult a personal injury attorney. If you suffered serious injuries or an insurance company offers you an injury settlement, you want to consult a personal injury attorney. You want to ensure you receive maximum compensation for your injuries. You want to make sure any injury insurance settlement you accept will cover your long-term injury costs.

Suffering injuries in an accident with a distracted driver often is frustrating. You can feel like your world has turned upside-down and you don’t know how to move forward. By following these tips, you will be in a better position to get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and can focus on your recovery.