Over 2800 crashes were reported in Topeka, Kansas in 2020, which ended up leaving around 750 people injured and 11 dead. Throughout the state, more than 450 people lost their lives in road accidents in 2021. That’s more than 1 death on Kansas roads per day!
Of course, we all hope to reach our destinations safely when we get behind the wheels of our cars! But there is no telling when an accident may occur. So, you need to know what to do in case you are in a car crash and it’s just as important to know if you should get in touch with a Topeka car accident lawyer.
Seek medical attention
Unless you are absolutely sure that only your car bore the brunt of the impact, it is imperative to see a doctor as soon as possible. Doing so helps in multiple ways:
- You get to rule out even those injuries that are not immediately apparent.
- If you are hurt, you get documentary evidence to prove your injuries.
- If the matter goes to court, the other side won’t be able to disparage your claims citing that you did not bother to seek medical help.
- It helps your lawyer to understand your injuries and gauge their impact on your financial, professional, and personal well-being.
Documenting what happened
If you are able to do so right after the accident, collect as much evidence as possible. Don’t rely on your memory, instead use your cell phone to:
- Get the name and contact information of the other motorists involved in the crash.
- Get the name of the responding police officer and the accident report number.
- Get the names and the contact information of the people who witnessed the accident.
- Take pictures of the exact spot where the accident occurred, including tire marks on the road and any surface problems as well as of all vehicles involved in the crash.
- Record a video of the surroundings area that can help you to spot any other cameras that may have captured the crash.
Contacting your insurance company
As soon as possible after the accident, get in touch with your car insurance company. In case of minor injuries, the PIP component of your own auto insurance policy will cover your medical bills up to $4500. However, property damage is not a part of Personal Injury Protection.
When should you call a Topeka car accident lawyer?
- If your injuries are serious enough to require medical expenses of more than $4500.
- If such injuries result in the death of a loved one.
- If the injuries are expected to impact your professional abilities.
- If you are feeling intimidated/hassled by the representatives of the insurance company of the other motorist/parties.
- If you feel that the compensation you are offered is unfair and simply not enough to cover your injuries
At DeVaughn James Injury Lawyers, our team of Topeka personal injury attorneys have helped hundreds of Kansas car crash victims to recover fair and full compensation. So, if you have been hurt in a car accident, contact our Topeka office today!