Being injured in a car accident can be overwhelming, but knowing what steps to take can protect your health and legal rights. The challenge is that most people act quickly in the moment with little logical thought. Don’t let that be you.
A Step-by-Step Guide on What to Do
Car accidents – by definition – are unexpected. And as with anything you aren’t anticipating, it’s easy to get caught off guard and make poor choices. The hope is that if you ever find yourself in a serious accident, you pause to consider the following important steps:
1. Prioritize Medical Attention
Your health should always come first. Even if you feel fine after the accident, it’s important to be seen by a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, like concussions, whiplash, or internal damage, may not show immediate symptoms but can worsen if left untreated.
Seeing a doctor not only ensures your injuries are addressed promptly but also creates an official medical record. This documentation is absolutely crucial if you decide to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action later.
We can’t overstate this enough: Don’t downplay your injuries or delay treatment. Your well-being depends on getting timely medical care, and insurance companies could use any gap between the accident and your treatment to dispute your claim.
2. Stay Safe and Call for Help
If you’re able to do so safely, check yourself and others for injuries. Turn on your hazard lights, move to the side of the road if possible, and call 911 to report the accident.
A police report provides an official account of the incident, which is invaluable for insurance claims and legal proceedings. Be honest and stick to the facts when speaking with officers, but avoid admitting fault or making speculative statements. The goal at this stage is to ensure everyone’s safety, document the accident, and set the groundwork for any future claims.
3. Gather Evidence at the Scene
The more evidence you can collect at the scene of the accident, the stronger your case will be. If you’re physically able, take photos or videos of the following:
- Damage to all vehicles involved
- Your injuries
- Skid marks, debris, or other evidence at the scene
- Weather and road conditions
Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, but keep the conversation professional and brief. Avoid making statements like “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see you,” as they can be interpreted as admissions of fault.
If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information and a brief statement about what they saw. Witness accounts can be powerful evidence if liability is disputed.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company
Once you’re safe and have received medical care, contact your insurance company to report the accident. Most policies require prompt notification, so don’t wait too long.
When speaking with your insurer, stick to the facts and avoid speculating about fault or the extent of your injuries. Insurance companies may record your statement, and anything you say could be used to minimize your claim later.
Familiarize yourself with your policy coverage, including medical payments, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and rental car benefits. Understanding what’s covered will help you navigate the claims process with confidence.
5. Consult a Car Accident Attorney
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be complicated, especially if you’ve been seriously injured. Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney can make a significant difference in your ability to secure fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
“While you can never go back in time and stop the accident from happening, there are things you can do to improve your future following serious injuries,” Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa explains. “One of these is to seek help from a car accident attorney as soon as possible.”
An attorney can handle communications with insurance companies, negotiate on your behalf, and help gather additional evidence to strengthen your case. They’ll ensure you don’t settle for less than you deserve and can guide you through every step of the legal process.
6. Keep Detailed Records
Organization is key to managing the aftermath of an accident. Keep copies of all documents related to your case, including:
- Medical bills and treatment records
- Repair estimates for your vehicle
- Receipts for out-of-pocket expenses
- Police reports and witness statements
Track any time missed from work and how your injuries have impacted your daily life. This information is critical when calculating damages for lost wages, pain and suffering, and other non-economic losses.
Make the Right Choices
There’s so much that runs through your brain in the seconds and minutes that follow a car accident. Between the adrenaline, pain, and confusion, making the right decisions can be difficult. However, if you have a plan for what to do ahead of time, this will increase your chances of doing things right. The hope is that this article has given you some helpful suggestions on how to respond.
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