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Distracted driving. Your mind might automatically jump to texting and driving, a big issue we face today. However, distracted driving can include anything that takes your attention off the road.

Eating or putting on makeup. Looking for something in a bag or changing the radio station. Using a GPS. As a result of these actions, many people have lost theirs lives, or taken the lives of others.

So, what do you do if you’ve been the victim of a distracted driver? Maybe you are walking across the street and a distracted driver doesn’t stop in time. You could be rear ended for the same reason. No matter what happens, it is important you take action right away.

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What to do after the accident

Of course, the first thing you need to do is make sure you are okay. If you are able to, check on others as well. Then, immediately call 9-1-1. Even if it doesn’t seem like anyone is extremely hurt, it is important to get a police officer out to the scene. Insurance companies will want an official police report.

If someone is hurt, do your best to assist them and keep them out of the way of more harm.

It is also imperative you exchange information with anyone involved in the accident, such as another driver or victim. You will want their name and phone number, and a picture of their insurance cards.

When you have done this, next take lots of pictures of the accident scene. This can be important no matter what. Having photos of the scene will better help police, attorneys, and insurers understand what happened and why.

For example, if you are a pedestrian crossing the street because you have the right away and a car hits you, take a picture of the intersection. Make sure the photos are clear and you have lots of angles.

Following this advice could be imperative to helping your attorney in your personal injury case.


Gerling Law is a leading personal injury law firm dedicated to providing aggressive legal representation to individuals and their families.  With over 50 years of experience, Gerling Law has helped thousands of people in Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky recover hundreds of thousands of dollars in a wide variety of personal injury and consumer protection cases, including trucking accidents, wrongful death, medical malpractice, nursing home negligence and social security disability. Gerling Law takes pride in the fact that we have never represented insurance companies, hospitals or large corporations and that we fight against powerful companies for our clients.

If you need an experienced, dedicated personal injury lawyer, Gerling Law is here to help.  You can always reach us at 888-GERLING (888-437-5464) or through our website at https://www.gerlinglaw.com/

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Gayle Gerling Pettinga

Born and raised in Evansville, Gayle is a respected, experienced lawyer and a valued community leader. She graduated near the top of her class at Indiana University’s prestigious Maurer School of Law. She’s practiced law with one of the largest firms in Indianapolis as well as one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. And that means she knows how big law firms and big companies think and how they operate – and she will put that knowledge to work for you.

Gayle has received numerous awards and honors including Martindale-Hubbell — Peer Review Rated: AV®, American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys 10 Best Attorneys in Indiana for Exceptional and Outstanding Client Service, and YWCA Evansville 100 Years, 100 Women Honoree, 2011.

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