While harmless accidents are a daily norm on roads, there are times when vehicle accidents can completely alter the life of victims. Such accidents can leave you confused and unsure of what to do next.
However, the steps you take immediately following the accident are what define your future life. That’s why you will have to tread carefully to protect your rights and ability to secure fair compensation.
To help you out in this regard, we have jotted down some important things you should do after being in a car accident. Keep reading to make the aftermath easy for you.
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Contents
- 1 Ensure Safety and Get Medical Attention Immediately
- 2 Contact Law Enforcement
- 3 Exchange Information with the Other Driver
- 4 Document the Accident Scene Thoroughly
- 5 Consult a Local Car Accident Attorney
- 6 Notify Your Insurance Company
- 7 Avoid Speaking to the Other Party’s Insurance Adjuster
- 8 Keep Detailed Records of Expenses
- 9 Follow All Medical Advice and Treatment Plans
- 10 Avoid Social Media Discussions about the Accident
Ensure Safety and Get Medical Attention Immediately
The first priority after a car accident is the safety and well-being of yourself and others in your vehicle. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location, such as the side of the road, to avoid further collisions. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of the danger ahead.
Even if you feel fine, it’s important to get medical attention right away. During and right after the accident, there will be an adrenaline rush in your body, so you might not feel how severe your injuries are. It’s important to move yourself to a safe place and call for medical help.
Delaying treatment can worsen your condition and make it more challenging to link your injuries to the accident if you need to file an insurance claim or lawsuit later.
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Contact Law Enforcement
Call 911 to report the accident, regardless of its severity. A police officer will document the incident, assess the situation, and create an official accident report. This report is essential for insurance claims and legal proceedings, as it provides an unbiased account of the accident, including details about who may be at fault.
Be sure to provide the officer with accurate information but avoid admitting fault, even if you believe you may be partially responsible. Stick to factual statements and let the investigation determine liability.
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Exchange Information with the Other Driver
After ensuring everyone’s safety and contacting the police, exchange information with the other driver involved in the accident. This includes:
Full names and contact information.
- Driver’s license numbers.
- Insurance company names and policy numbers.
- Vehicle registration and license plate numbers.
While exchanging details, remain polite and professional, but avoid discussing blame or fault with the other driver. Let the authorities and insurance companies handle these determinations.
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Document the Accident Scene Thoroughly
Collecting and preserving the evidence at the accident scene is very important for establishing the facts and supporting your claim. Use your phone to take clear photos and videos of:
- Vehicle damage from multiple angles.
- Skid marks, road conditions, and debris.
- Traffic signs, signals, and any contributing factors like weather or road construction.
- Your injuries (if visible).
Additionally, note the time, date, and location of the accident. If there are witnesses, collect their contact information, as their accounts can be valuable in corroborating your version of events and get you a favorable outcome of the case.
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Consult a Local Car Accident Attorney
You may be wondering why we have used the word ‘local’ here. That’s because a local attorney understands the laws and rights better than the one who does not belong to the state in which your accident has occurred.
For example, if we talk about West Virginia, this state has a higher rate of car accidents and traffic deaths as compared to the others. So, if your accident has occurred here, an experienced West Virginia car accident lawyer would know how to protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.
An attorney can help by:
- Handling communication with insurance companies.
- Investigating the accident to establish fault.
- Negotiating a fair settlement.
- Representing you in court if necessary.
Don’t hesitate to seek legal advice, as an attorney can guide you through every stage of the process and maximize your chances of success.
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Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Provide them with the information and evidence you’ve collected, including the police report number if available. Any delay in this communication can leave you without getting compensated enough for your losses.
Be honest about the details of the accident, but avoid speculating about fault or exaggerating your injuries. Most policies require prompt reporting, so failing to notify your insurer in a timely manner could jeopardize your coverage.
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Avoid Speaking to the Other Party’s Insurance Adjuster
Shortly after the accident, you may be contacted by the other driver’s insurance adjuster. While it’s their job to investigate the claim, remember that their goal is to minimize payouts and put the blame of the accident on you.
Avoid giving recorded statements or signing any documents without consulting your attorney. Any statement you make could be used against you to reduce or deny your compensation. Politely inform the adjuster that your attorney will handle all communications on your behalf.
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Keep Detailed Records of Expenses
Document all expenses and losses related to the accident, as they play a critical role in determining the value of your claim. After the accident, you will have to keep detailed records of medical bills, treatment costs, vehicle repairs, and emotional damages.
Maintaining organized records strengthens your case and helps your attorney or insurance company calculate fair compensation.
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Follow All Medical Advice and Treatment Plans
If you’ve been injured, it’s essential to follow your doctor’s recommendations and attend all scheduled medical appointments. Failing to comply with your treatment plan can give the impression that your injuries aren’t as severe as claimed, which could harm your case.
Additionally, keep a journal documenting your recovery process, including pain levels, emotional struggles, and physical limitations. This record can provide valuable evidence of the impact the accident has had on your life.
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Avoid Social Media Discussions about the Accident
After the accident, it’s wise to limit your activity on social media for some weeks. Insurance companies and opposing legal teams may scrutinize your posts for evidence that contradicts your claims.
For example, photos of you engaging in physical activities or statements downplaying the accident could be used to argue that your injuries aren’t severe. To avoid jeopardizing your case, avoid discussing the accident online or sharing updates about your recovery.