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 There
were a staggering 6,394,000 car accidents in the United
States during 2000. More than 2 million people (33 percent of all claims) claimed injuries. Additionally, 37,409 were fatally
injured. Even more frightful is the fact that there
are, on average, 115 deaths each day in the U.S. caused
by motor vehicle crashes.
That's one person every 13
minutes. And while the fatality rate per 100,000,000
vehicles fell to an all-time low of 1.5 in 2000, there
were still nearly 6.4 million accidents reported on
our highways. That's one every five seconds. And although
the safety standards and statistics have improved, thanks
to myriad vehicle safety features and improvements,
accidents still rank number five in causes of fatalities
in the United States. The fact is, the more time that drivers
spend behind the wheel and the more drivers on the streets,
the more likely it is that you will be involved in a
car accident. Thus, it is vital that people know what
to do — and not to do — if involved in an auto
accident.
Stay
Put
First,
do not leave. If you leave the scene of an accident — whether
or not it was your fault — you may face criminal
prosecution. Even if the accident is minor, you must
exchange information (see below) with the other driver.
And, while a lawyer may tell you not to move the vehicles
until police arrive to assess the situation (to preserve
the evidence), it's often best to move the vehicles
to the side of the road. Or, if on the highway, it's
a smart idea to pull off at the next exit and drive
to a place where it's safe to get out, inspect the vehicles,
and exchange information. This is especially true if
the wrecked vehicles are obstructing the flow — try
to move them so as not to impede traffic.
When
to dial 911
If
there appears to be over $500 in damage to any vehicle
or if anyone feels any pain, call the local police or
Highway Patrol immediately. It's also good to file a
police report to clear up any potential discrepancies,
just in case there's a lawsuit later on. Remember that,
no matter what you think, do not take responsibility
for the accident. Just state the facts. Regardless of
what you think happened, the other driver may have been
at least partially at fault.
Feel
the Pain?
If
you are seriously injured, do not move. Stay in your
car and wait for help. Most people, even if they feel
pain, often refuse medical attention at the scene of
an accident. They may be in shock, may have to get to
work, or maybe don't yet feel the pain. Unfortunately,
if the case goes to trial (the majority of car accidents
don't), this may be used against that person. So, if
you are in pain or if you have a serious injury and
an ambulance is offered, accept the service and go to
the emergency room where your injuries can be properly
assessed.
If you feel pain a few days after the accident,
it is vital you seek medical attention. A good chiropractor
is often your best bet; a medical doctor may diagnose
soft-tissue damage and write a prescription for ibuprofen
for the pain. A good chiropractor, particularly one
who specializes in injury and accidents, can work wonders
at preventing long-term pain and suffering. You may
have to see him or her three or four days a week for
three or four weeks, but it's worth it (not to mention
that it feels great!).
(CONTINUED...)
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