The most important things to do after a car accident are to document the scene, see a medical professional, and contact a lawyer. You should also avoid making statements to insurance adjusters or posting about the accident on social media.
Taking the right steps now can preserve your ability to recover the maximum financial compensation.
If you have any more questions about what to do after a crash, you can talk to a knowledgeable car accident lawyer about your options. We offer free, no-obligation consultations for this purpose.
Contact the Authorities
After checking yourself for injuries, contact the relevant authorities. You want the police at the scene to create an official report, which serves as a vital piece of evidence for your claim. You can later request a copy of this document from the responding law enforcement agency.
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Document the Accident Scene
Next, start documenting the accident scene. This means taking pictures and video recordings of the accident scene, including vehicle damage and your injuries. Make a note of any environmental features that could have contributed to the accident, like weather, lighting, and road conditions.
You should also ask eyewitnesses for their contact information, as you may need a statement when you file a claim. Lastly, ask the other driver for their contact information, insurance details, and license plate number.
The more evidence and documentation you can gather, the better.
Go to the Doctor
After you’ve documented the scene sufficiently, you need to see a medical professional. A doctor can give you an official diagnosis of your injuries and provide you with medical documentation. Important records to gather include intake paperwork, lab reports, diagnostic tests, and discharge documents.
It’s important to see the doctor as early as you can. Ideally, you shouldn’t wait more than 72 hours before your first appointment. While treating your injuries, you need to maintain close contact with your doctor. A thorough medical record will strengthen your case.
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Notify Your Insurance Company
You need to notify your insurer of the crash, even if you weren’t responsible for the accident.
Most insurance companies require you to report accidents when they happen, regardless of fault, and they can cancel your policy if you don’t follow the rules. You’ll also need to notify your insurance company if you want to use your collision coverage for vehicle damage.
Contact a Lawyer
You should also contact a lawyer as soon as you are able. A lawyer can help gather additional evidence and file the paperwork to make a claim. If the insurance company asks for a statement, your lawyer can handle the communication directly to protect your rights. They can also represent you during insurance negotiations to give you more leverage.
In short, a lawyer can help with the administrative burden of filing a claim and protect you from the underhanded tactics insurers use to avoid paying.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Car Accident Claim
You should also avoid the following common pitfalls and mistakes when filing a car insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit:
- Waiting too long to see a doctor. Delays in medical treatment can significantly harm your case. If you wait to see a doctor, the insurance company might use that delay to argue that your injuries weren’t as serious as you claim.
- Failing to document the scene adequately. The moments after a crash may be chaotic, but you need to thoroughly document the scene before you leave if you’re physically able. The less evidence you have, the harder it’ll be to prove liability.
- Not following medical guidance. You also need to follow your doctor’s medical treatment plan exactly. Deviation can be used to dispute the scope and severity of your injuries.
- Talking to insurance adjusters. You should never talk to an insurance adjuster without your lawyer also present. Insurance companies are very good at twisting innocent statements into an admission of fault. Ideally, your lawyer should handle all communications with your insurer.
- Making posts on social media. Don’t post about your case on social media or post photos that can be used as evidence against you. For instance, a photo of you at a concert or playing a sport can be used as evidence against the claimed severity of your injuries.
- Accepting the first settlement offer. The insurance company will likely try to offer you a quick, small settlement to get you to accept and drop the issues. Don’t accept this lowball offer; it’s likely that your lawyer can negotiate a better settlement.
Schedule a Consultation With an Attorney From Postman Law
Your immediate actions after an accident can drastically impact the outcome of your claim, so it’s important to take the right steps. If you have any more questions about what to do after a car accident, you can contact Postman Law.
Consultations with our attorneys are free, so don’t hesitate to reach out.