AFTER-ACCIDENT CHECKLIST Make Every Moment Count
The moments after a car accident can be some of the most disorienting minutes of our lives. From major wrecks to fender benders, emotions sometimes run high as adrenaline and uncertainty take over. But the most important thing you can do in this situation is remain calm and collected. While this certainly isn’t easy, having a clear plan of what to do in these situations can help. So we’ve put together this checklist you and your loved ones can use if you’re ever involved in an accident. Make Sure Everyone Is Okay The first thing you need to do when the dust settles after an accident is establish whether or not an ambulance needs to be called. This means checking on yourself, your passengers, and anyone else involved in the crash. If someone is unresponsive, has visible wounds, or has trouble moving, call emergency services. You should still seek out a medical professional afterward to look for signs of whiplash, but life-threatening injuries need to come first. Notify the Police Regardless of whether or not anyone is critically injured, you should still call 911. By notifying law enforcement of the accident, you are helping yourself in the long run. Trained officers will be sent out to put together a police report of the events that led to the crash. These professionals can often spot details others can’t, and the report they file will be an invaluable
piece of evidence when dealing with the insurance company. Gather Information While you wait for the police, you should turn your focus to collecting evidence to help you during the claims process.
This means, at a bare minimum, exchanging information with the other driver. You’ll need their name, address, driver’s license and license plate numbers, insurance company, and policy number. Beyond this essential information, you should also take the time to photograph the accident and talk to witnesses who saw it take place. Having concrete evidence to back up your claim is invaluable. Follow this advice in the event of a car accident, and you’ll have already taken a major step toward protecting your future. For guidance through the rest of the claims process, contact an expert New Orleans personal injury lawyer like our great team of attorneys here at the Smiley Law Firm. Schedule a free consultation with us; we’d be happy to look over the details of your case and advise your next steps toward getting your life back on track.
TAKE A BREAK
EASY BACON AND SPINACH STIR-FRY
Ingredients
• 3 slices bacon • 3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped • 2 bunches spinach • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper • Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Heat a large skillet to medium. 2. While skillet is warming, cut bacon into squares. 3. Cook bacon until fat is rendered and bacon is almost to your desired doneness. If desired, you can remove bacon fat from skillet and replace with 1 tablespoon oil. However, keeping the fat is recommended for flavor. 4. Add garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes. 5. Add spinach and crushed red pepper and stir-fry for 10 minutes. 6. Season with salt and pepper, and serve.
Inspired by OhSnapLetsEat.com
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