Whether you own an Apple smartphone or an Android smartphone, these small devices which we use daily can play a vital role in the case of a motor vehicle accident. Capable of doing everything from dialing 911 to notifying family members, performing GPS tracking, obtaining contact information from involved parties, and capturing photographs of the accident, a mobile phone can truly save a life and provide important documentation of a crash. Yet it must be noted and emphasized that engaging with a cellular phone while driving to text or make phone calls is ill advised and highly discouraged. Use of cellular devices are to be used after a car accident has occurred.
The first and foremost use for a mobile phone after a crash occurs is to use the phone to dial for help from an emergency service. 911 is typically the most important number to dial during an emergency situation such as a car accident and can also allow ambulances and the fire department to determine if their presence is necessary. A quick dial to emergency personnel can save a life and prevent further injuries by allowing all parties to seek medical attention and law enforcement protection in a shorter amount of time as opposed to not having a cellular device readily available. A cell phone allows all parties to obtain help in a timely manner.
Furthermore, having a cellular device readily available also allows the parties involved to contact insurance companies or personal injury attorneys for the sake of beginning the process of opening a claim as a result of the motor vehicle accident. Contacting an attorney for legal advice as soon as possible and contacting an insurance company as soon as possible allows the parties to begin the process of opening a claim in a fast and efficient manner which is highly recommended in order to facilitate a faster resolution.
A smartphones in particular is a handy tool during an accident and the resulting claim-filing process as many insurance companies now have applications for smartphones in which you can begin the process of filing a claim, check the status of your claim, and look at any and all information regarding your insurance policy. By downloading an insurance company’s app, it can allow an abundance of information to be right at your fingertips. Using a smart phone in order to locate or call emergency responders when the accident first occurs and using an insurance company application can speed up the long process of reporting an accident and filing a claim with insurance companies.
Finally, smartphones can be used to gather contact information from eyewitnesses who saw the accident occur. Use your phone as you would a notepad (the “Notes” app is great for this) to store contact information, notes about the accident, or any other information you feel may be useful later. A smartphone’s camera can also be used to take photos of the damage your car sustained, the vicinity of the accident, the other car’s licence plates, and the condition of the road or any signs that may have been obscured which lead to the accident.
Cellular phones, although dangerous when used while in the act of driving, are actually handy and efficient tools to have on hand if you’ve been involved in a serious crash. If you’ve been in a car accident, do what is needed to keep your loved ones safe, and follow up by doing everything you can to make your family’s life easier. Daryl T. Dixon, Paducah, KY car accident lawyer, has the proven experience you need to make your claim-filing process as smooth as it possibly can be. Contact our office to learn more.
