Steps to Take After an Auto Accident

Accidents happen. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be proactive with what happens after the accident. Taking the proper steps after a car accident can make a big difference.

1. Document the Accident

Once you get over the shock of having been involved in an auto accident, take steps to document as much information as you can for later reference. Take photographs of the vehicles, the damage, and the location. Get the contact information from everyone involved, the other driver, passengers, and any bystanders that can act as witnesses. If possible, record your own personal observations any way you can, whether in a notepad or using your smartphone. You can even collect the name of the police officer called to the scene.

Any information collected can be of use. Many auto insurance providers also have phone applications that allow you to immediately file claims and provide documentation to support the claim.

2. Statements

While you can collect the contact information from those involved in the accident and any potential bystanders, refrain from demanding any of them to make official statements regarding the accident and declined to make any statements yourself. This provides legal protection to you in the event further litigation occurs and helps ensure that trained professionals will operate in good faith without having to investigate multiple versions of one person’s perspective.

3. Seek Medical Help

If you have been severely injured, this step may obviously be out of your control as you may have to be cared for on scene and then transported to the nearest hospital.  However assuming you are relatively okay, the next step after documenting the accident scene, would be to seek medical help immediately. Do this even if you feel any kind of pain or discomfort following the accident, no matter how trivial. You want to have a trained medical professional to take a look at you as some injuries may not be visible to you or may become worse with time.

Waiting to address this step can be dangerous to your health. It can also affect the ability to make a sound legal argument should you have to pursue legal action. Documenting your condition right after the accident and then possible subsequent worsening of your condition is important to show that your injuries may in fact be worse than initially thought. A common example is inflammation or aggravation of neck or back injuries following the impact. Remember your health and safety are the most important things in any accident no matter the level of damage to your vehicle. Make sure to follow the medical advice of the treating physician. If you feel worse the next day, see your own doctor or continue to seek medical care afterwards.

4. Monitor Your Health

It can be very difficult for anyone to honestly communicate about their health.  We may tend to downplay our pain or concerns for a variety of reasons. But if you have been injured in a car accident, it is important to be honest about any aches or pains, even if you have misgivings about seeking aid.

Many injuries associated with auto accidents, including whiplash and bruising, can take time to develop and start affecting the victims. In other words, it’s not unusual for a victim to not experience discomfort and pain from the accident until hours or days after the accident occurred.

Make sure to keep any and all medical records that occur following the accident. The additional costs and care should be covered and included in any litigation and claim investigations that follow the accident.

5. Get Legal Help

You may need to consult an experienced auto accident attorney like Adam Capetillo to represent your needs. Unfortunately, you may need to sue the driver responsible for the accident in order to get enough money to pay for medical care or vehicle damages. Or you may find your own insurance carrier may refuse to honor your claim. Or maybe you will need to protect yourself from legal claims arising from the accident.

Whatever the reason, if you need legal help, don’t hesitate to get it. Contact the Capetillo Law Firm today for help.