Pokemon have been a source of obsession since their development, but the game has never been quite as real – or as dangerous – as it is now. The Pokemon Go game, which can be downloaded to a smartphone, has been considered responsible for two men falling from a cliff in California, and at least one automobile accident. More accidents are expected to follow, and residents should be prepared by knowing what to do if they are the victim of an accident caused by Pokemon Go.
At the Scene of the Accident
Just like in any other accident, you will need to call 911 and get immediate medical care for anyone that is severely injured in an accident. Try to stop or slow bleeding, if there is any. And avoid moving a person that is unconscious or severely injured, unless leaving them where they are puts them at more risk. Most importantly, stay as calm as possible until help arrives.
If no one is severely injured and immediate medical attention is not needed, you can use this time to collect information from the other driver, such as their license plate number, insurance policy information, driver’s license number, and cell phone number. You should also attempt to collect personal information from anyone who witnessed the crash and, if at all possible, take photographs of the scene of the accident and any damage to your vehicle.
Seek Medical Treatment
Even if you do not believe you have any serious injuries, you should visit a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries do not become evident until the days after an accident, and others could be hard to pinpoint without proper treatment from a doctor. Furthermore, you will need documentation for the insurance provider. Keep receipts for any medications, track your mileage, and obtain copies of your medical records.
Talk to an Attorney, Not the Insurance Company
Insurance companies are infamously known for reaching out to victims before they have had the chance to talk to an attorney. This is because they want to save money by reducing the amount of your claim, and they know that an attorney can interfere with that goal. An attorney can advise you on your rights, protect your best interest, and ensure that both short- and long-term consequences of an accident are figured into your settlement, which will likely be much more than the insurance company would offer up on their own. So do not make the mistake of talking to the insurance companies, and never agree to sign documents until after you have consulted an attorney.
At Martinez & Schill LLP, we understand just how drastically an accident can impact your life. We also believe that you deserve full and fair compensation for your injuries, especially if they were caused by a negligent driver. Get the skilled and experienced help you deserve. Call 619-512-5995 and schedule a free consultation with our San Diego auto accident attorneys today.
Sources:
http://fox5sandiego.com/2016/07/12/driver-illegally-parks-car-to-catch-pokemon-causes-crash-texas-am-police/
http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/gaming/2016/07/15/beginners-guide-pokmon-go/87133450/
http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/15/health/pokemon-go-players-fall-down-cliff/