Although America’s roads are getting safer, there are still a startling number of car accidents and collisions each year. In Palm Beach alone, there are more than 25,000 car accidents and 16,000 subsequent injuries every year.
No matter how careful you are when you’re behind the wheel, you can’t always avoid a collision. Whether poor weather conditions or other road users affect your safety, there’s always a chance you could be involved in a road traffic accident. To ensure you’re able to stay calm and collected if the unexpected happens, take a look at what you need to know about West Palm Beach car accidents:
Table Of Contents
Things To Remember In West Palm Beach Car Accidents
1. Safety Comes First
Depending on the severity of the incident, those involved may have sustained a wide range of injuries. Tragically, 174 car accident fatalities occurred in Palm Beach County in 2019 and many more people suffered serious or life-threatening injuries. Immediately after a road traffic incident, it’s vital to determine whether anyone requires urgent medical treatment and if so, to call 911.
If your vehicle appears to be in a drivable condition, you might be tempted to try and move it, so that it isn’t obstructing the highway. However, unseen damage could make this dangerous, so try to turn off the ignition if it’s safe to do so, but don’t move the vehicle unless it’s absolutely necessary. Requesting police assistance will ensure that the highway can be made safe, so this isn’t something you need to deal with alone.
2. Evidence Matters
In the minutes and hours following car accidents, your first priority probably won’t be the long-term financial and legal consequences of the incident. However, the actions you take in the immediate aftermath of a collision can have a major impact on what happens next. If you’re incorrectly held responsible for an accident, you could face civil action or be charged with a traffic violation and required to appear in court.
By gathering evidence at the scene of the accident, you can ensure that the person or people, responsible for the accident are held accountable. If you have a dashcam in your vehicle, this footage can be used as evidence, but images and cell phone video recordings are also useful. Similarly, making notes about the incident will help to ensure that you don’t forget any important details.
3. You May Be Entitled to Compensation
If someone else was partially or fully responsible for the accident, you may be able to claim compensation from them. With help from a car accident lawyer, you can find out exactly what your rights are. The financial implications of road traffic accidents are far-reaching, which means claiming compensation may be the only way to protect your finances. Fortunately, experienced car accident lawyers can provide the advice you need.
Recovering from an Accident on the Road
Depending on the type of injuries you’ve sustained, it can take weeks, months, or even years to recover from road traffic accidents. While the recovery process can be frustrating, it’s important to take as much time as you need to obtain the right treatment and allow your body to heal. By taking legal action and obtaining compensation, you can alleviate money worries and make your recovery your top priority.
