On the Job Injury

Thanks for joining us!
I’m Gary Martin Hays.

“Hi Gary –
This is different kind of question and I hope you can help. Our daughter just turned 16 and recently passed her driving test to get her license. I really want to be proactive in working with her on various things about the car. I’ve taught her how to check the oil level in the car, check the tire pressure, and she even knows how to change a tire if she were to ever get a flat.
But here is my concern. Of course I never want her to be in a wreck. I had her go through a defensive driving course too. I just want to make sure she will know what to do if she is ever in a wreck.
Can you give me a list of Do’s and Don’ts I can share with her?

Rodney – thanks for the question and that is a great one!
First of all, let me commend you for being so proactive in working with your daughter.
Let me give you some statistics about wrecks involving young, inexperienced drivers:
* 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 2005, there were 3,374 drivers between the ages of 16-20 that were killed in car wrecks.

* Out of every 100 teen drivers on the road:

* 13 will be injured in automobile accidents.
* 4 will be ticketed for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and

* the more maturity and skill they demonstrate, the more the “leash” is released.

So getting back to Rodney’s question – I applaud you for being so actively involved in training your daughter to drive!
Now let’s address the “Do’s and Don’ts if you are ever involved in a car wreck:
DO’s

-Address
-Phone numbers
-Make, model, color and year of the vehicle

* If you have a smart phone or camera, take pictures at the scene if possible.

* Don’t panic, but remain calm as best as possible. This is especially important if you or others at the scene are injured.

* DO NOT – DO NOT – accept any quick settlement offer from any insurance company.

Insurance companies are out there with these fast response vehicles.
They send them to the scene of the wreck if they can get there on time, or to your house right after the wreck.

The adjuster acts like your long lost aunt or uncle and they are just there to help.

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.

What can you do now?

* Don’t Wait!

But call someone that is experienced in personal injury law – someone that specializes in this area.

That money could be used to take care of your future medical needs or to help you catch up on your bills.
Please – you owe it to yourself to call a lawyer to discuss the facts of your specific claim.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a wreck, I encourage you to talk with a lawyer.
Just pick up the phone right now and give us a call at (770) 934-8000.

I encourage you – if you don’t call us, please call someone to help you with your claim.
You owe it to yourself – to your family – to get the help you need.
So give us a call right now. (770) 934-8000.

Georgia Car Wreck Attorney