On Monday the 6th of January, a Department of Public Safety (DPS) trooper was stopped in traffic when he saw a driver racing in the wrong lane and bypassing a stop sign. While the trooper attempted to catch up with and stop this dangerous driver, he wasn’t quite fast enough.
The car wound up in a three-vehicle collision – just across from a High School. The driver was rushed to the hospital, and the occupants of the other two vehicles suffered relatively minor injuries that weren’t life-threatening.
This is one of many similar cases where a single act of recklessness can put countless lives in danger. In this case, those in danger included:
The driver
The occupants of the other two vehicles
Any pedestrians around the scene of the accident, and especially children outside of the high school
The Cause of the Crash
While no official story has come out that outlines the cause of the crash, some have assumed that the driver was:
Drunk;
Asleep at the wheel;
Texting while driving; or
On some form of recreational or prescription drugs.
This accident and other similar crashes are yet another reason why you, as drivers, must always be alert, drive defensively, wear your seatbelt, and drive only when you can focus on the road. While we, of course, wish for this erratic driver’s full recovery in the hospital, we also hope they receive enough driving correction, so they never put themselves or others in such danger again.
What to Do If You’re Involved in a Catastrophic Car Accident
If you or a loved one are the victims of an accident caused by a drunk, distracted, or otherwise negligent driver, there are specific steps you should take to make sure you have the means to get sufficient medical care and recover as best as possible:
Check your passengers and apply any needed first aid and medical care. The lives of you and your passengers are the top priority.
Call 911. You need an ambulance and police officer at the scene as fast as possible. Even if you think you feel fine, both you and your passengers need a full medical examination as some injuries may not appear until later.
If you’re physically able, take photos of the scene, damage, injuries, and anything else that may be relevant to the accident.
Speak to any witnesses and get their contact information. Their testimony or statements may be critical in your case.
Speak to the police, but only provide a factual account of what happened. Do not admit to any fault or give an opinion.
Do the usual steps of exchanging personal and insurance information with the other drivers.
Call an experienced auto accident attorney. Auto accidents can be complicated, and you need an attorney by your side to help you navigate through the mess and protect your rights.
Insurance companies will work to place the blame on yours or someone else’s shoulders to avoid paying the much-needed compensation for your future medical care, lost wages, and everything else you suffer when you’re the victim of a car crash. Having a lawyer by your side is the best way to make sure you get the maximum fair compensation you deserve, while also allowing you to focus on what really matters: recovering.