According to a study conducted in 2013 by the website CarInsuranceComparison, Louisiana drivers are the worst in the nation. The data used in the study came from sources including MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving,) and the National Highway Traffic Administration. Among the statistics compared were drunk driving citations, number of tickets issued, fatality rates, failure to obey citations, and more, with Louisiana ranking first overall by comparison.

Data collected by the LSU Highway Safety Research Group states that in 2013, truck accidents made up only about 3% of the total number. Yet with a recorded total of 292,201 truck collisions in that year, and considering the poor record of Louisiana drivers across the board, chances are high that at some point you may be involved in an accident. Knowing what steps to take immediately following an auto-related mishap, including contacting a truck accident lawyer if necessary, can be incredibly helpful.

Post Accident Advice

Due to stress and shock, it can be difficult to grasp what to do immediately following a car wreck, especially if you or others are injured. Stay collected and maintain control of the situation. Here are a few reminders about what to keep in mind and how to proceed.

Safety

Begin by calmly analyzing the situation and assessing your safety; are you at risk of being injured by staying in your vehicle? If your car is obstructing traffic, it could be hazardous. Move to a safer location, like the side of the road or median ground. Whatever you end up doing, do not leave the scene until the police have arrived. Call 911 as soon as possible to report the situation and summon help. If you were injured, seek medical attention. This will help your truck accident lawyer strengthen your personal injury claim, reinforcing that your injuries were a result of the incident.

Get the Facts

When confronting any other drivers involved, remember to maintain courtesy and do not admit fault. Try to exchange information as cooperatively as possible. It is only necessary to share your name and insurance policy information. Do not allow your driver’s license or registration to be photographed. You don’t have to provide any personal contact information like phone numbers or addresses. If there were witnesses to the event, asking for their names or contact information is appropriate. If you have a camera available, it would be wise to take pictures of the following: damage to your vehicle, damage to other vehicles, damage to any nearby property, the license plates of involved vehicles, geographic landmarks to identify the scene, and any contributing factors like road hazards or obstructions.

Make the Call

Once information has been exchanged, contact your insurance provider or a licensed truck accident lawyer. Provide them with all the details you’ve recorded; the more information you have at your disposal, the easier it will be to build a strong claim. Remember to drive safely, and don’t forget: you can be easily taken advantage of by dishonest drivers without legal counsel and assistance.