What Should You Do if You’re Injured in a Car Accident?

Car accidents happen every day, and unfortunately, the reality is that at some point in our lives, we or someone we know will be involved in one. Whether it is a minor fender bender or a major collision, it is wise to have an idea of the steps to be taken to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Call the police.

You should always call the police if an accident happens, no matter how minor. Once the police officers arrive at the scene, they will investigate, ask questions, and issue a police report. Having an official police report is crucial to an insurance claim because it establishes who is at fault and liable for the accident.

Write down the other driver’s information.

Be sure to get names, phone numbers, addresses, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information. In addition, get information from any passengers and witnesses as well. It is better to have too much information than too little.

Take pictures.

Most of us carry cell phones, and they can come in handy if an accident occurs. Take pictures of the accident scene and damages made to your vehicle.

Seek medical attention for any injuries.

It is vital that you seek treatment for any injuries you or any passengers sustained. You need to inform all healthcare providers treating you that you were involved in a car accident.

Many of us tend to brush off simple aches, but any injury to our spine, muscles, or joints can last for days or even weeks. It’s recommended that you visit a doctor or hospital immediately so they can document these injuries and begin treatment. This will result in a faster road to recovery and also serve as evidence of your injuries. If treatment is recommended for your injuries, don’t miss any appointments. Any missed appointment or gaps in your treatment will give the insurance company the chance to argue that you must not be hurt or in pain or you would have kept the appointments. This weakens your claim and negatively impacts possible compensation.

Consider talking to a personal injury attorney first.

If an injury occurs as the result of an accident, be skeptical of early offers made by insurance adjustors. Adjustors are interested in settling your claim for as little as possible, and they want to get to you before you talk to an attorney.

Usually, a person’s first concern when looking for an attorney is the cost involved. If you work with a contingent fee lawyer, you can stop worrying. Contingent fee lawyers will not take a fee unless they can obtain a settlement for your case.