What To Do After A Car Accident: A Step-by-Step Guide
Car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. One moment you’re driving along, and the next, your car is jolted by another driver who ran a stop sign, rear-ended you, or simply wasn’t paying attention. It’s a disorienting, stressful experience, especially when you may be injured and unsure of what to do next.
The minutes and hours after a crash are critical, and below, our friends at Law Offices of David A. DiBrigida share their thoughts on what to do after a car accident. Whether or not you feel pain right away, it’s important to take certain steps to protect your health, your legal rights, and your ability to recover compensation if you’re not at fault.
To help you stay calm and confident in the aftermath, we’ve created a simple checklist of what to do immediately following a car accident. These steps can help guide you through the confusion and ensure you’re taking the right actions for your recovery.
Step 1: Check For Injuries
Your safety and the safety of everyone involved should always come first.
Take a deep breath and assess yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Emergency responders can evaluate injuries on-site and provide the urgent care needed.
Even if there are no obvious injuries at the scene, be aware that symptoms often show up hours or even days later. Common post-accident complaints include pain in the neck, back, shoulders, head, and legs. Whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue injuries are not always immediately apparent, so listen to your body closely in the hours and days that follow.
When in doubt, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Not only is it crucial for your health, but documented medical visits can also support your personal injury claim if one is filed later.
Step 2: Call The Police
It’s essential to call the police to the scene, especially if you are not at fault. A police report serves as an official, third-party record of the accident. This document can be vital for insurance claims and legal matters. The responding officer will gather information from everyone involved, including names, addresses, insurance details, license plates, and driver’s license numbers. They’ll also assess the scene and note any visible signs of fault, like skid marks or traffic violations.
If the police are unable to respond, exchange information with the other driver, including:
● Full names and contact details
● Insurance company and policy numbers
● Driver’s license numbers
● License plate numbers
● Make and model of the vehicles involved
Take photos of the scene, damage to all vehicles, and any visible injuries. If there are any witnesses nearby, ask for their contact information as well.The more information you can gather, the stronger your case will be if you need to file a claim or lawsuit later on.
Step 3: Consult A Personal Injury Lawyer
If you’ve been hurt and the accident wasn’t your fault, don’t try to navigate the aftermath alone. Consulting a personal injury lawyer is one of the smartest steps you can take.
An experienced attorney will help you:
● Understand your legal rights
● File a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance
● Coordinate proper medical care and billing
● Protect you from unfair insurance tactics
● Pursue compensation for your injuries, missed work, and pain and suffering
Insurance companies are businesses focused on minimizing payouts. A lawyer works for you and can ensure that you’re not left paying out of pocket for someone else’s negligence. Most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they win your case.
Take Control After A Crash
Being involved in a car accident is scary, disorienting, and frustrating, especially when you’re injured and it wasn’t your fault. But knowing what to do in those crucial moments afterward can make a major difference in your recovery and your ability to seek justice.
By checking for injuries, calling the police, and consulting with a trusted lawyer, you take control of the situation and put yourself on the best path forward. If you’ve recently been in an accident and need help understanding your options, don’t wait. Reach out to a qualified personal injury lawyer to learn how you can protect your rights and get the care and compensation you deserve.