What You Need to Do if You Are Injured on US Route 285

US Route 285 is referred to as “Death Highway” by the locals. It is one of the most dangerous roads in the United States. A heavy volume of vehicles moves through the route daily. Hence, accidents are very common. While being involved in an accident, it is hard to process the whole thing. At such moments one should stay calm and act quickly.

The constant flow of traffic contributes to a high number of accidents on highways. If you or a loved one is injured in a crash, understanding what the steps are to take immediately is very crucial. This can help you in building a strong case. If you’re hurt in an accident, stay calm and follow these steps to stay safe and get the help you need.

Focus on Safety and Call 911

No matter how minor or severe the accident is, immediately call 911. Highways have high-speed traffic. Move your vehicle to some safe spot to avoid secondary collisions. Wait until the help arrives. After that, check for any injuries. At times even a minor injury could be fatal.

Gather Evidence

Collecting crucial evidence can help you build a strong case. After reporting the incident, focus on evidence that can help you in future legal proceedings.

Take Photos/Videos: Record everything before the vehicles are moved.

• The position of the vehicle.
• Damages dealt by both vehicles.
• Tire marks and debris on the road.
• License plate number, company name of the vehicle
• Also, take pictures of any visible injuries.

Get Information: Get the name, contact number, and email ID from the driver involved. If any witnesses are there, try to get their name and contact number also. Because a witness’s testimony can be vital during a legal process.

Don’t Admit Fault: Never say anything to anyone regarding the accident. Because these statements can be used against you by the insurance companies to reduce your compensation. Only discuss those details with the police.

Get Medical Help

The most important thing to do after an accident is seek medical help. See a doctor and get a full checkup. If you have met with a major crash, then medical care is mandatory. Generally adrenaline masks your pain during accidents. Delayed symptoms like concussion and internal bleeding could be fatal. So, it’s important to make sure that you are fine before proceeding for legal aid.

Keep all the medical records of doctor visits, prescriptions, and medical bills. These records are useful while filing an insurance claim. Only based on this information, your insurance companies approve your claim.

Negotiate With Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are not by your side. So, always remember to report to your insurer within 24-48 hours of the accident. Provide all the necessary details, such as the police report, photos, and medical proof, etc. You can also demand policy limits in writing from the insurance company.

Consult a Lawyer

Do not handle injury cases alone. Because insurance companies can easily lowball your claim using multiple statements, like multiple vehicle pileups, etc. So, it’s always better to hire a lawyer. A lawyer has a deep knowledge of the laws that can help you get the right compensation. The law differs from state to state. It becomes hard for you to understand those laws and navigate through them. Only a lawyer can properly investigate these factors and guide you.

Key Takeaways

• Always focus on safety and call 911 immediately after being injured in an accident.
• Document every piece of evidence that could help you strengthen the case.
• Seek immediate medical help even if the injury is minor.
• Negotiate with the insurance companies and provide the correct details about the case.

Always prefer hiring a lawyer because they have great legal knowledge.