If you’ve been injured in a car crash, it’s important to take the appropriate steps to protect yourself and your legal rights. Many people don’t know what to do after getting hurt in a car accident, which can lead to confusion and frustration. That’s why we’ve put together this list of seven steps you should take right away!
1. Seek medical attention as soon as possible
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it’s important to see a doctor or go to the hospital right away – even if you don’t think you’re injured. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not show symptoms until days or weeks after the accident. By getting checked out by a medical professional, you can ensure that any injuries are properly diagnosed and treated. If your injuries are serious, you may need to be hospitalized or undergo surgery. In these cases, you’ll want to have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side to help you navigate the complex legal process and recover the compensation you deserve.
2. Contact an attorney
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, one of the best things you can do is contact an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options, and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. For instance, if you are in New York, make sure you hire a car accident lawyer working in New York City who will know all the rules and regulations to fight for your rights. The insurance company may try to low-ball you or deny your claim altogether – but with an attorney on your side, you’ll have someone fighting for your best interests. Also, in many states, there is a statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit, so it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after the accident.
3. Gather evidence from the accident scene
If you’re able, it’s important to gather evidence from the accident scene before leaving. This may include taking photos of the damage to your car and the other vehicles involved, as well as any skid marks or debris on the road. If there were any witnesses to the accident, be sure to get their names and contact information. This evidence can be crucial in proving how the accident happened and who was at fault.
If you’re unable to gather evidence at the scene of the accident, don’t worry – an experienced personal injury attorney will know how to obtain this evidence for you.
4. Keep track of your medical expenses and lost income
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s important to keep track of all your medical expenses. This includes any ambulance rides, hospital stays, doctor’s visits, prescriptions, physical therapy, and more. You should also keep track of any income you’ve lost as a result of the accident – this may include time off from work or loss of future earnings if your injuries are serious. All of this information will be important when it comes time to file a personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim.
It’s helpful to keep a journal detailing the impacts of the accident on your life. This can be useful in documenting the pain and suffering you’ve experienced as a result of the crash.
5. Cooperate with the insurance company, but don’t sign anything without talking to an attorney first
After a car accident, you’ll likely be contacted by the other driver’s insurance company. They may try to get you to give a recorded statement or sign paperwork releasing them from liability. It’s important not to do either of these things without first consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney. The insurance company is not your friend – their goal is to settle your claim for as little money as possible. An attorney can help you navigate the insurance claims process and protect your rights.
In some cases, the other driver’s insurance company may offer you a settlement that seems fair. However, it’s important not to accept any settlement until you’ve consulted with an attorney. Once you accept a settlement, you will likely be barred from bringing any further legal action against the other driver or their insurance company.
6. File a police report
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it’s important to file a police report as soon as possible. A police report can be helpful in documenting the facts of the accident and may be important evidence if you decide to file a personal injury lawsuit. In many states, you must file a police report within a certain time period after the accident – so it’s important not to delay.
In some cases, the other driver may try to convince you not to call the police or file a report. This is often an attempt to avoid liability for the accident. Don’t fall for it – always err on the side of caution and contact law enforcement right away.
7. Get back on your feet – start by taking care of yourself physically and emotionally
After a car accident, it’s important to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally. This may mean seeing a doctor or therapist for your injuries, as well as taking some time to rest and relax. If your injuries are serious, you may need to take some time off from work to recover. It’s important not to push yourself too hard – your health should be your top priority.
In addition to physical healing, it’s also important to address any emotional trauma you may have experienced as a result of the accident. This may include talking to a counselor or therapist about what happened. Many survivors of car accidents experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other emotional difficulties. If you’re struggling to cope, don’t be afraid to reach out for help.
No one ever expects to be involved in a car accident. But if it happens to you, it’s important to know what steps to take next. By following the tips above, you can protect your rights and get on the road to recovery. And if you need help, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can guide you through the legal process. Hopefully, this article has been helpful – take care!
