Involved in a Car Accident
Our auto injury attorneys will take immediate action on your case, including gathering information about the accident, gathering insurance information from the adverse driver, and gathering the medical records necessary to prove your claim.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
If you have been involved in a car crash, there are several steps you should take in order to protect your rights and ensure you are eligible to receive financial compensation for your injuries and damages.
Pull over and call the police. No matter how minor or significant the accident is, if your car is drivable, pull over to the side of the road to avoid additional collisions. It is illegal to flee an accident scene. Doing so will make the situation worse. Turn on your hazards and use road flares and reflectors if you have them. Call the police.
Seek medical attention immediately for your injuries. Check to see if you or anyone else is injured. If so, get medical help first. You may not feel any apparent injuries or pain immediately following the crash, but symptoms can show up days or weeks later. Delaying medical care can not only put your long-term health at risk but hurt your potential accident claim.
Record facts and take pictures. Gather information as much as possible about the accident. Take photos of any damage. Get the other driver’s name, address, license plate number, insurance, year, make, model, and vehicle registration. Be sure to get the names, addresses, and phone numbers of any witnesses too.
Report the accident to your insurance company. Contact your insurance company as soon as you can following a crash (most policies require an immediate accident report). Consulting your insurance will allow you to discuss your medical benefits and begin your claim. Keep a detailed log of any medical bills, updates, changes in health, and crash-related expenses.
What to avoid after an accident
Speaking to the adverse driver’s insurance company. Insurance companies work to serve their own clients’ best interests. When you speak with the adverse driver’s insurer, you may inadvertently damage your claim to compensation by providing conflicting information or answering leading questions. Always speak with an attorney prior to providing answers to other drivers’ insurance companies, especially if they are requesting a recorded statement.
Delaying or not seeking medical attention. We cannot stress enough the importance of seeking medical attention after a car crash, even if you are not feeling any immediate pain or discomfort. Car accident victims commonly overlook soft tissue injuries like damage done to ligaments, muscles, and tendons only to find the injuries worsening weeks or months later. Medical professionals can provide you with a routine check-up and diagnose you with an injury that may not be obvious to you