How to Handle a Car Accident in Quarantine
We are now months into this global pandemic. Self-isolation and limiting contact with each other have become a new norm. Given the many stay at home orders around the country, there are less cars on the road. However, less cars also means more temptation to speed. Some people could be in a hurry to get to a loved one in the hospital. Others could just be using the open roads as an excuse to drive recklessly. Overall crash rates are down since the pandemic. But as long as there are cars on the road, no matter how few, there is always a risk for a car accident. We look at the guidelines suggested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and how they apply if you are in a car accident. As long as you are prepared, you will know how to handle a car accident in quarantine.
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What is Quarantine?
Quarantine is “a strict isolation imposed to prevent the spread of disease.” This is different from isolation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains quarantine as “… the separation of a person or group of people reasonably believed to have been exposed to a communicable disease but not yet symptomatic, from others who have not been so exposed, to prevent the possible spread of the communicable disease.”
CDC Recommendations
- Stay at least 6 feet, or about 2 arms’ length, from other people.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick, who are high risk of getting sick, or exhibiting symptoms.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as often as you can. If you’ve been in a public place, come into contact with any high-touch areas like doors, or common areas, wash your hands. You should also wash your hands after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- If you do not have access to soap and water, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when going out in public, or when around other people.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
- Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched areas like tables, doorknobs, keyboards, phones, faucets, and toilets. Use detergent or soap and water to clean dirty surfaces, followed by household disinfectant.
- Do not gather in groups.
- Try to stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings.
- Work from home if possible.
- Try to avoid public transportation, ride sharing, or taxis.
As we continue our discussion on how to handle a car accident in quarantine, we’d like to let you know that our Las Vegas attorneys offer the experience and expertise you need if you’ve been the victim in an accident. Contact Anthem Injury Lawyers now to schedule your free consultation: (702) 857-6000.
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Tips on How to Handle A Car Accident in Quarantine
- Write down important information like your name, age, emergency contact, and current medications on a piece of paper that is easily accessible in your car. If you are unconscious due to an accident, this information can help first responders save your life.
- Print out a copy of your insurance information and keep it in the car with your original. This way you can leave the information with the other driver and maintain your distance.
- If you don’t have an extra copy of your insurance and contact information, exchange phone numbers with the other driver or any witnesses. Make sure to send them a text while you are both still at the scene of the accident so you know they gave you the correct contact number.
- Keep extra masks and gloves in your car. It’s always a good idea to have at least a mask and a pair of gloves in your vehicle in the event that you forget yours at home. You need them to go to the grocery store or bank. You will also need them if you get into a car accident. This will protect you when inspecting a crash, or exchanging information with the other driver.
- Have hand sanitizer. Try to keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your vehicle. If you need to exchange information with the other driver, any witnesses, or police officers, sanitizer can help keep you protected from COVID-19.
- Keep your distance as much as possible. Whether you’re talking to police, a witness, or the other driver, try to remain at least six feet apart.
- Seek appropriate medical attention as soon as possible. This is true of an accident before the pandemic. But if your injuries are not serious, then you might qualify for a telemedicine appointment or video call.
- Seek legal advice. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you maximize your compensation. Injury claims can be difficult to settle on your own, especially with the added stresses of a pandemic.
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Other Things to Keep in Mind
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted everything from our healthcare system to schools to work. You should expect that the car accident process is going to be different, too. Expect delays from your medical team, car repair shop, and insurance company. Many non-emergency procedures like physical therapy or elective surgery are being postponed or cancelled due to the overwhelmed healthcare system.
The court system is also experiencing delays as they adjust to different quarantine and social distancing orders. Your accident claim might take longer than usual.
We are all coping with the current situation differently. A pandemic has impacted our everyday lives and therefore our mental and emotional state. A car accident can exacerbate any stress you might already be feeling. Seek outside help you need, like therapy or talking to a friend.
A personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the extra complications of dealing with a car accident in quarantine.
Experienced Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been in a serious car accident during this pandemic, you should speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. A personal injury lawyer can help you protect your rights. Our car accident lawyers are experienced at handling all types of car accidents. These accidents include: large trucks or SUVs, accidents involving motorcyclists and bicyclists, and accidents where there was a driver who was driving under the influence/with an elevated blood alcohol concentration (BAC).
Sometimes people are unsure if they need an attorney, or if a car accident attorney can really make a difference in receiving compensation. Car accident attorneys at our firm offer you the best opportunity to get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. We work on a contingency basis; so you won’t have to worry about affordability. Plus, with our extensive car accident case experience, you have the best chance for a positive outcome for your case.
We hope our discussion about car accidents during the COVID crisis will help keep you safe. Sometimes, no matter what a person does, they can become a victim in a car accident. Remember: when it comes to seeking maximum compensation, you’ll want to put your case in the hands of the experts: Anthem Injury Lawyers, serving Las Vegas and vicinity. Call us today for a free case analysis: (702) 857-6000. Our law office is located in Henderson, but we work with clients all over the Las Vegas Valley. As a car accident victim, getting back to health should be your first priority: let our lawyers go to work for you and get you the compensation you deserve. Should you need us to, we can come to you. The first step to winning your case is getting the right car accident lawyers to represent you. Contact us today if you’ve been the victim in a car accident in the Las Vegas area.
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