Good morning!
I’m Gary Martin Hays.
What to do if you are Hurt in a Car wreck
And so you will have that phone number handy at any time, go ahead and enter it into your cell phone.
That way help is right there on your phone when you need us.
Our staff of legal professionals are standing by right now to take your information.
Now let’s go to a question from one of our viewers.
On the web
“Hi Gary –
Thank you! -Rodney in Union City
* According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2006, there were 6,964 people killed in crashes involving young drivers ages 16 – 20.
* In the U.S., the risk of a teen driver between the ages of 16-19 being involved in a car wreck is 4 times higher than that for older drivers.
* 37 will be ticketed for speeding.
And let me share with you a study on drivers’ education that was conducted by George Mason University in Virginia. This may give us a little clarity on why teenagers may be more likely to be involved in accidents when they get behind the wheel.
* “Teens, on their part, view driving as a right rather than a privilege. Overwhelmingly, study participants cited teen drivers’ inexperience as well as their feeling of invincibility and willingness to take risks as contributing factors in unsafe driving behaviors. Participants also noted that teen drivers are easily distracted and lack the skills and judgment necessary to recover from unexpected incidents. ”
* This same study concluded that parental involvement was the most important factor in teaching teens safe driving habits and behaviors.
We, as parents, can’t rely on the traditional driver’s education programs at school to adequately prepare our teens to get behind the wheel.
There was a report that came out in September 2006 by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety that discussed the drivers’ education programs in schools. The report suggested that the education does not adequately make our students safer drivers. The way for us to lower the risks of teens being involved in crashes is to:
* gradually release them to drive further distances and in more congested traffic as they demonstrate their ability to handle it.
* the more maturity and skill they demonstrate, the more the “leash” is released.
* But parents need to simultaneously train and monitor the teen drivers as they learn.
* If someone is injured, call 911 immediately!
* ALWAYS call the police to come to the scene to complete an incident report. The investigating officer will help document the scene of the wreck, gather the facts, interview witnesses, and prepare a report. If you don’t do this, it could be your word against the other driver.
* Exchange information with every person involved in the wreck, including:
-Name
-Phone numbers
-Insurance information
* Also get the same identifying information for any witnesses.
Include property damage to all cars, and any debris in the road at the scene.
* Report the wreck to your insurance company – even if you were not at fault. This is especially important if it appears the other driver did not have insurance.
* NEVER leave the scene of the wreck.
* Don’t accept blame for the wreck unless you have an opportunity to discuss the facts of the wreck with your attorney.
* Don’t talk with the insurance company – or sign any papers with the insurance company – until you have a chance to discuss it with your lawyer.
You really need to the extent and severity of your injuries before you ever consider settling your claim.
They dangle a quick offer in front of you and encourage you to settle.
The adjuster acts like your long lost aunt or uncle and they are just there to help.
You take the quick money and sign the release.
But then a couple of weeks later, you are still hurting. You go to the doctor and discover your injuries are a little more severe than you first thought.
Your medical bills quickly pile up and are far more than what the insurance company gave you in that quick settlement.
If your case is settled, you are out of luck! Case closed. No more money – and it doesn’t matter how bad your injuries turn out to be or how much your medical bills are.
And insurance companies are getting away with this tactic every day.
DON’T FALL FOR IT!
But call someone that is experienced in personal injury law – someone that specializes in this area.
If you have been hurt in a wreck and you don’t hire an attorney, you are letting the insurance company hang onto YOUR money. Plain and simple.
Our legal professionals are standing by right now to speak with you.
And stay tuned for more of “Do I Need A Lawyer”
Georgia Car Wreck Attorney
