Available 24/7After a car accident, your health is the priority. However, there are some actions to take that can help preserve your legal rights. These actions include reporting the accident and documenting your injuries.
In this article, we’ll go through the steps you should take after a motor vehicle collision in depth. When you’ve been in a car crash, and someone else was at fault, hiring a car accident lawyer can help protect your personal injury claim.
Seek Medical Attention After a Car Accident
After an accident, getting immediate medical attention can be one of your most important steps. Early diagnosis and treatment of injuries, such as spinal cord or traumatic brain injuries, can significantly improve your chances of recovery.
If you don’t receive emergency medical care, you should make a doctor’s appointment as soon as possible. Your doctor will run diagnostic tests, such as X-rays or CTs, and create a treatment plan for your injuries.
In addition to addressing your health, your medical records will serve as vital evidence connecting your injuries to the car accident.
Complete Your Medical Treatment
It’s vital for your health and claim to begin your medical treatment promptly and continue it once it has started. If you delay seeing a doctor or discontinue your medical treatment, insurers may assume that your injuries are not as serious as you originally stated.
It’s free to speak with us and learn the value of your case today.
Call Us NowReport the Accident to the Police
If you can, you should move to safety and call 9-1-1. Calling law enforcement while still at the accident scene will help to secure the area and address anyone injured following the accident, including yourself.
In addition, a responding officer will write a police report that includes details about the accident. This report can be an important piece of information for your car accident claim.
Also, avoid apologizing for the accident or hypothesizing about what you think happened when speaking to the police or others at the scene. Stick to the facts.
Reporting After You’ve Left the Scene
If you do not call the police at the scene of the accident, you may still need to report the accident. Most states have a statute or legal precedent that requires you to report any accident that results in injuries, death, or a dollar value in damages.
Get Contact Information From Bystanders
After an accident, getting the names and contact info from any witnesses can be helpful. Witness statements can provide impartial accounts of the event for your claim.
Police will likely gather witness contact information for the crash report they write, and your personal injury lawyer may also be able to track down witnesses if you are unable to do so.
Document the Car Accident
If you can, take photos or video of the accident scene. While you may focus on the vehicle damage, try to get any surrounding evidence, such as skid marks and debris. Take note of surrounding business names as well. They may have street-facing security cameras, which can contain helpful video footage of the accident.
If the other car left the scene, such as in a hit and run, try to jot down as much information as you can remember—such as their license plate number or the make and model of the car.
Additionally, take photos of any visible injuries you have, such as cuts and bruising. Once you are away from the accident scene, you should also keep track of any receipts and bills related to the accident and your injuries. Many of these may be compensable. For example, you may be able to recover compensation for mileage and gas going to and from medical appointments.
Your lawyer can help you keep track of any expenses related to your care. They may also consult with medical or financial experts to understand the full impact of your injuries on your life.
If you’ve been injured or a loved one has been killed through an act of negligence, you need the highest level of legal representation.
Schedule a Free ConsultationBe Careful When Speaking to Insurance Companies
An insurance adjuster may visit you at home or in the hospital while you are recovering. As part of the insurance company’s claim investigation, they will question you about how the accident happened and your role in the accident.
When talking to an insurance adjuster, be cautious about word choice. You may accidentally take the blame for the accident if you admit to a mistake or try to apologize for your actions.
Having an attorney present during these conversations can help safeguard your legal right to compensation.
Avoid Posting on Social Media
Venting online is a common outlet for most of us. However, you should avoid posting anything about your accident. When posts are public, they can be used by the liable party’s insurance company or their legal team. Seemingly simple comments about how you feel can be twisted against you.
Move Quickly After an Accident
The sooner your lawyer can investigate the accident, the better. Some evidence, such as witness testimony and surveillance footage, can be time-sensitive. Additionally, the longer your lawyer has to investigate the accident, the more thorough their investigation can be.
Whether your accident occurred in California or in Idaho, both states have a two-year statute of limitations to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing the statutory deadline on your accident could bar you from recovering compensation. With enough time to prepare, your lawyer can ensure that any legal paperwork is filed on time.
Get a free case evaluation
Schedule NowContact a Car Accident Lawyer
Your last step should be speaking with a law firm. Most offer a free case review and can explain your legal options.
A lawyer serves as your greatest advocate during a personal injury case. They will:
- Communicate with the insurance company on your behalf
- File your paperwork accurately and on time
- Investigate to determine all liable parties
- Gather evidence to support your claim
- Negotiate for fair compensation that accounts for all your losses
- File any necessary appeals if your claim is denied
- Represent your case in court when necessary
Call Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers Regarding Your Car Accident
At Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we have obtained over $40 million for injury victims. We know how much a settlement can mean when you’re facing the financial burden of car accident injuries. Since we understand this financial burden, we also work on a contingency fee basis to avoid upfront costs for you. Instead, you only pay us if we recover your compensation.
Contact our legal team today for a free review of your case.
