While being involved in a car accident can be an overwhelming experience, if you are left trapped in your vehicle after the event, the experience can be particularly frightening. While vehicle passengers most often end up trapped after rollover accidents, people end up trapped in vehicles in a number of situations. In some situations, a person might be able to move but unable to escape from the vehicle. It is important to understand how to respond in case you end up trapped inside of a vehicle.
1. Contact Emergency Services
If you can do so, it is important to contact emergency services as soon as possible. If you are unable to do so, you should make sure to signal to a person outside of the vehicle who can contact emergency workers for you. The sooner that emergency workers are contacted, the sooner that you will be freed from your vehicle.
2. Remove Your Seat Belt
Even if you were left upside down inside a vehicle, it is important to attempt to remove your seat belt if the vehicle is not moving. If you have been seriously injured or are in substantial pain, you should make certain to move slowly and as little as possible to avoid becoming injured further. If it is impossible to do so, you can also wait for emergency workers to cut you out of the vehicle.
3. Lower the Vehicle’s Windows
If you can do so safely, you should make sure to roll down the vehicle’s windows because this will help increase airflow into the vehicle. Also, if your vehicle ends up in water, you will likely be left unable to roll down before the vehicle comes to a rest.
4. Remain Calm
If you are left stuck inside of a vehicle, panicking will not help. Instead, it is best to relax and realize that authorities are coming to help you. If witnesses approach the vehicle, you should not ask them to help. Instead, these witnesses should remain nearby to make certain that you receive proper assistance from emergency services.
5. Obtain Medical Treatment
It is important to make sure that you receive adequate treatment for any injuries that you might have incurred as a result of the accident. Even if an injury does not appear to be serious, there is the possibility that your symptoms will grow worse over time.
6. Contact A Knowledgeable Attorney
If you are harmed in a motor vehicle accident and another person is responsible, you should not hesitate to contact an experienced accident attorney. Contact Jay Trucks & Associates today and we will outline your various available options to obtain compensation. With over 150 years of combined legal experience, our Michigan accident lawyers know how to fight the insurance company on your behalf to get the compensation you deserve. Call today for a FREE CASE EVALUATION.
