As per records of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 43,000 people are killed in fatal automobile accidents each year and about 2.9 million people are injured, in the United States. Terrifyingly is the fact that there are, on average, 115 deaths each day in the U.S., which brings roughly, one person’s death in automobile mishaps every 13 minutes and one every five seconds.

Judging from the above-related automobile accident statistics, we can speculate that all persons will be involved in at least one car accident in their lifetime. This is an undeniable and compelling fact that all of us are facing.

The more time that drivers spend behind the wheel and the more people on the streets, the more likely it is that automobile accidents will happen. Thus, it is vital that people should know what to do - if involved in an automobile accident.

These will be the main topic of this article, as enlightened to us by a lawyer, in his provisions of automobile accident protocol.

Automobile Accidents

An automobile accident is regularly defined as a "road traffic incident which usually involves at least one vehicle in collision with another, another road user, or a stationary roadside object, which result in injury or property damage". Different jurisdictions have their own statutory definition of the term as reflected on how prevalent and serious an automobile accident must be in their respective jurisdiction.

Automobile Accidents Causations

There are varying causes of automobile accidents. Most commonly are:

• Negligence or willful actions on behalf of one party

• Drunk driving or operating any motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol

• Defective auto part, auto design, or auto maintenance and mechanical failure

• Poorly maintained roads, traffic signals or road conditions

• Driver distraction or inattention, including playing with technical devices, talking with passengers, eating or grooming in the car, dealing with children or pets in the back seat, or attempting to retrieve dropped items

• Driver impairment by fatigue or illness

• Speed exceeding safe conditions

Automobile Accident Protocol

After your automobile accident encounter, the first thing to remember is to stop. This is a required duty by law, especially when there is any injury to someone, or damage to someone's property.

If there is any injury involved, you must notify the police and cooperate with them at the scene. Remember that right after the startling occurrence, it is wise not to argue over whose fault the accident was. This will be tackled later on by your insurance company, or by your automobile accident attorney. Accepting any blame or admitting any form of liability of the accident is strongly not advised.

Rather than arguing over the accident, remain calm and make a careful record of what exactly happened. Take note of the events as it happened and do obtain and gather all the detailed information, like insurance information, policy numbers, names, phone numbers, addresses, and the likes, of the witnesses and party/ies involved,. Take photographs of your car if it has been damaged.

Notify and contact your insurance company. Relate to them your own tell about the event and give them as much information as you can about the accident. Seek medical help immediately if you believe you have been injured. Keep your current insurance information and this checklist with you in your vehicle.

More importantly, as soon as possible, contact an automobile accident attorney for your legal help in the anticipated and impending legal battle that you may wage later on. Having an attorney at the early stage will help you mold a better case that can end with your ultimate legal recovery for compensation of your injuries.