As the holiday season approaches, many North Texas residents are preparing to travel to visit loved ones. And with busy schedules and holiday preparations competing for drivers' focus, the risk of distractions on the road can increase, making it especially important to pay close attention when driving.
Even when paying attention, however, accidents can still happen. Jeremy McKey, attorney and owner of Law Offices of Jeremy W McKey, encourages drivers to familiarize themselves with the following steps to take after an accident.
What should you do immediately after a car accident?
If an accident occurs, McKey said the first priority should be getting to a safe location. If possible, drivers should move their vehicles out of traffic to avoid further danger.
From there, he recommends taking several important steps:
Seek medical attention: If you or a passenger is seriously injured, seek immediate emergency medical care.
Contact law enforcement: Report the accident so officers can investigate and create official documentation.
Exchange information: Gather the other driver's license and insurance information.
Take photographs: Document vehicle damage, the surrounding roadway and the overall accident scene.
McKey particularly emphasizes the importance of taking photographs that show the broader context of the accident, rather than focusing exclusively on vehicle damage.
In one case his firm handled, a client was attempting to make a left turn at a T-intersection on a two-lane highway when another driver attempted to pass. The other driver and her mother later claimed McKey's client had been positioned off to the side of the roadway.
However, a photograph taken at the scene showed his client's vehicle positioned in the middle of the roadway, supporting the client's account of what happened.
The case illustrates how these contextual photographs can provide important evidence when drivers' accounts of an accident differ.
What should drivers know about working with insurance companies?
Following an accident, drivers may assume that an insurance company will prioritize their interests. However, McKey cautions against making that assumption.
“An insurance company is a for-profit business, and its job is to mitigate or lessen their exposure because they have shareholders, supervisors and CEOs to answer to,” McKey said.
For this reason, he encourages drivers to thoroughly document accidents and preserve evidence that may help support their version of events.
Another important consideration is the timing of medical treatment. According to McKey, insurance companies may point to delays or gaps in medical care when questioning the severity of someone's injuries. Although individuals may have legitimate reasons for postponing treatment, those delays can complicate the claims process.
Even when injuries initially appear minor, McKey recommends getting evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible.
The same general recommendations apply to accidents that occur while traveling out of state.
“If an individual is traveling and they're involved in an accident out of state, the same principles apply," McKey said. “They're universal in that sense, in terms of seeking immediate medical attention if necessary, contacting law enforcement, getting to safety and then documenting everything you can.”
When should you contact a personal injury attorney after an accident?
For individuals who have suffered injuries in a car accident, McKey recommends seeking legal guidance promptly. He explained that contacting an attorney on the day of an accident, later that evening or the following day can help individuals begin addressing their injury claims without unnecessary delays.
Those interested in learning more about Law Offices of Jeremy W McKey can find information here:
Website: https://www.mckeylawfirm.com/
Phone number: 214-855-8788
Address: 5899 Preston Rd., Ste. 203, Frisco
Why does Jeremy McKey emphasize taking photographs of the broader accident scene rather than just the vehicle damage?
Taking photographs of the broader context and surrounding roadway can provide important evidence when drivers' accounts of an accident differ.
In one case handled by the firm, a client was accused of being positioned off to the side of the roadway during a collision at a T-intersection. However, a photograph of the scene showed the client's vehicle was actually in the middle of the roadway, which supported the client's account of the event.
How can I contact the Law Offices of Jeremy W McKey or find their office?
You can contact the Law Offices of Jeremy W McKey by calling 214-855-8788 or by visiting their website at https://www.mckeylawfirm.com/.
The office is located at 5899 Preston Rd., Ste. 203, Frisco.
How soon after a car accident does Jeremy McKey recommend contacting a personal injury attorney?
For individuals who have suffered injuries in a car accident, Jeremy McKey recommends seeking legal guidance promptly.
He explained that contacting an attorney on the day of an accident, later that evening, or the following day can help individuals begin addressing their injury claims without unnecessary delays.
