The aftermath of a car accident is usually chaotic and full of emotions. What you do directly after the collision could greatly influence your chances of recovery and how well you will preserve your legal rights.
Hence, knowing how to handle the situation is in your interest. It will help you with insurance companies, medical service providers, or courts.
Just follow these steps to ensure you are safe and prepare a solid case.
Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Attention
In case of an accident, the first concern is ensuring that those concerned are safe. If your car is drivable, move it safely off the road; otherwise, call for assistance. Make a quick check for injuries on yourself and others present, and call 911 if anyone requires medical assistance. Trained emergency personnel can provide critical emergency medical care and essential situation assessment.
Although you may feel fine in the initial aftermath of the event, seeking medical attention is still crucial. Whiplash, internal bleeding, or concussions are among the injuries that may show little or no symptoms right after an injury has taken place. Still, they can have life-long consequences without proper medical attention.
A doctor will provide a record of your injuries linked to the accident, which can help you claim damages or file a lawsuit. Not seeking treatment may negatively affect your health and weaken the case by inserting doubt about the nature of the injuries.
Consult an Attorney
The web of legalities surrounding a car accident can get complicated, especially when dealing with insurance adjusters trying to minimize payouts. Consulting an expert personal injury lawyer will ensure you get a proficient advocate for your cause.
Once they have decided whether to take your case, the lawyer will gather and produce enough evidence for the insurance company to ensure you receive a fair settlement. A competent Oklahoma City car accident lawyer could even take the case to court if they cannot secure a settlement.
Most personal injury lawyers will work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they will only be paid if you get compensated. This allows most accident victims to afford legal representation.
Call the Police and File a Report
Always call the police even when the accident seems minor. The investigating officer will examine the scene, question the parties involved, and provide an impartial perspective on what happened. Information such as the weather, the road conditions, and any violations of traffic codes are often included in the report.
Ensure you have taken the officer’s name, badge number, and report number. When the report is available, review it for errors and make necessary corrections. This authorized document would assist you with pressing insurance claims or legal claims. It will provide an impartial version of the crash facts from the perspective of an unbiased third party.
Document the Scene
Collecting evidence at the scene of an accident is vital for your case. Take as many photographs and videos as possible from different angles of the vehicles involved, showing the extent of the damages and their positions.
Include any other details that could be relevant, such as traffic signs and signals, skid marks, debris, and visible injuries suffered by any persons involved.
Pay attention to environmental factors like unfavorable road conditions, insufficient signage, or certain weather factors that could have resulted in the accident.
Pictures focusing on license plates or vehicle registration stickers will help establish clarity when investigating what transpired and during arguments in settlements or trials.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Immediately call your insurance company to report the accident. Most policies require that you notify them promptly if you expect to receive coverage. When speaking with your insurance representative, simply state what happened. Don’t speculate, and never admit fault.
Usually, your insurance provider will assign an adjuster to your claim. This adjuster will sort through the details and ascertain who was at fault. Your collaboration is essential, but an attorney should be contacted before you make any recorded statements, as these may be used against you during negotiations.
Keep Detailed Records
Having all careful records related to the accident well organized will consolidate and expedite the development of your case. Keep all medical expenses, car repair costs, towing, and other expenses caused by the accident receipts. Record any missed earnings due to time lost from work.
Beyond financial records, write a daily log of how the accident has affected everyday life. Record the various levels of pain, emotional suffering, physical impairment, and disruption to your routine. This personalized account offers a complete view of the damages you suffer, supporting your compensation claim.
Endnote
Taking these steps after a car accident will help you protect your rights, prioritize your health, and build a strong case. You can confidently navigate the aftermath and position yourself for the best possible outcome by remaining proactive and organized.
Source: DM Injury Law, Oklahoma City, OK
