Being involved in a car accident is always an overwhelming situation. If someone crashes into you, there are a few basic steps that you must follow, such as contacting the police to report the incident and liaising with insurance companies to negotiate claims and payments for damages caused as a result. These actions are fairly basic and most people are aware of these, even if you have never been involved in an accident before.
However, in some areas, there is an abundance of army vehicles on the road. Although drivers of these automobiles go through specific training to use these machines properly, they may be involved in road collisions, regardless of whether they are at fault.
Accidents involving army vehicles are slightly different from those involving civilian cars, therefore they require particular approaches to deal with. In this article, we will discuss what to do after an army automobile causes a serious traffic accident, whether you are the one driving or the one affected by this.
Seek Medical Help
The very first thing to do after a road collision is to contact medical services. The health of those involved should be the main priority. This is vital even if you do not believe any of the victims have sustained major injuries. It is possible that most of the injuries are internal and not visible, which health professionals will be able to detect. Additionally, medical records will act as official evidence of any injuries sustained as a result of the accident, which can help your case when filing for compensation.
Report the Accident
Just like with any normal type of accident, the police should be contacted at the earliest possibility. This is usually done when calling for emergency services. The police will record the event and will also gather the appropriate evidence that may help you later on. They can also help keep the peace between those involved if there are disputes about who is at fault.
Consult with a Lawyer
When you are involved in an accident on the road, regardless of whether you are at fault, you will be required to liaise with the insurance companies to negotiate pay-outs. There is a slight difference when the incident involves an army automobile, considering that it is the property of the government. You cannot sue the driver of an army vehicle, even when they are clearly at fault and you will need to take out a special claim against the federal government.
There are different laws and guidelines in place for different areas when it comes to a personal injury involving government property. If you reside in North Carolina, it is a good idea to seek the support of a military vehicle accident lawyer in Jacksonville, N.C, as they will have expert knowledge of the local laws as well as military cases. Having the help of an attorney may help you feel more secure and supported through this process and it may increase your chances of a positive outcome for your case.
Clear the Road
Road collisions can happen between two vehicles, but there are cases where this can lead to further collisions. If possible, do not leave your vehicle in the middle of the road, to ensure that other road users remain safe whilst on the road. As we mentioned above, the police should be contacted as soon as possible and they will guarantee that the roads are clear of obstruction or restrict access to it so that they can deal with the accident and take care of those involved.
Get Evidence of the Scene
Having evidence of the incident is crucial for your case. If you have suffered injuries, do not move and wait for medical emergency services to arrive. Your health must be your main priority. If you are in good health, obtain as much evidence from the scene of the accident as you can. Start by writing down an account of the event as you remember it. This is a traumatic experience and you may struggle to remember the details later on, therefore make note of it when possible. In addition to this, it is a good idea to take pictures of the vehicles and any injuries incurred to formulate your case.
Speak With Potential Witnesses
Putting a claim out against the government means it can be complex and requires much evidence. You will need evidence that the army driver was at fault. If there were any people around at the time of the accident, make sure to get their contact details and statements. Ask them if they are willing to testify in court if necessary to support your version of the events.
Being involved in a car accident is very traumatic but if it happens to you, you must know what steps to take to deal with it, particularly if it involves specific cases such as military vehicles. Make sure to follow the steps discussed on this page so you know what to do after an army automobile causes a serious traffic accident.