What To Do After A Car Accident And When To Call An Attorney

A car accident is a traumatic experience, even a minor one. In the United States alone, millions of car accidents occur annually, ranging from low-speed fender benders to high-speed collisions, resulting in life-threatening injuries and extensive property damage. 

Unfortunately, most individuals have no idea of their rights and responsibilities following a crash, and this can lead to costly mistakes when attempting to work with insurance companies and the law.

That’s why what you do immediately following the accident can have a significant influence on your safety, that of others, and your ability to recover damages. Regardless of the severity, knowing how to handle the aftermath is crucial. 

Read on to know more about what to do after an accident and when to call a lawyer.    

1. Understand When to Call an Attorney  

In most car accident cases, hiring an attorney can be a smart, proactive step in obtaining the compensation that is rightfully yours. If the accident resulted in serious injuries, significant loss of property, or an issue of fault, an attorney can represent your rights as well as guide you through the claims process with confidence.

For instance, if you were involved in an accident in or around Little Rock, consulting a Little Rock car accident lawyer can help ensure you receive proper legal representation and maximize your chances of fair compensation.

On top of that, seeking legal counsel is particularly advantageous when the other driver is underinsured or without any insurance coverage, when the claim is being delayed or underpaid by your insurance provider, or when the injuries have long-lasting ramifications regarding the loss of work.

Besides, if the other party is suing you, having a qualified personal injury attorney handle the case can be the distinction in receiving a just determination. 

A qualified attorney can negotiate, gather evidence, and, as a last resort, litigate the case, alleviating the anxiety of going through the process as you pursue the best results. 

2. Ensure Safety and Check for Injuries  

The first thing to do after being in a car crash is to check yourself and other individuals for injuries. If anyone is injured, including yourself, call 911 immediately for emergency health care. Injuries can be minor, but having a professional assessment is the best thing to do because injuries like internal bleeding or a concussion can be asymptomatic at the onset.

If it is safe, pull the car from the road to prevent other accidents. Likewise, if the car cannot be moved, turn hazard lights as a precaution. In certain conditions, leaving the car is unavoidable, but be mindful of oncoming traffic before leaving the car.

Once everyone’s safety is addressed, remain at the crash scene. Leaving the area before discussing with the authorities can have consequences under the law, especially when there is injury or significant damage.  

3. Call the Police and Report the Accident  

Regardless of the severity of the crash, the police should be notified, and the crash should be reported. A police report is the official crash record, which can be priceless when filing a claim with the insurance company or seeking damages through the courts.

So, when law enforcers arrive, present a factual account of the event without apportioning blame. Police officers will assess the area, interview witnesses, and set down their observations in writing in a police report. 

If the police fail to report at the scene of a minor accident, report the issue at the nearest police station as soon as is practicable.

Also, ensure to obtain a copy of the police report as soon as it is available. This report will be invaluable evidence if you have to prove fault or damages in the future.  

4. Exchange Information with Other Parties  

After ensuring the other parties’ safety and alerting the authorities, exchange details with all other parties. This includes gathering the other parties’ names, addresses, contact details, and driver’s license details.

You should also obtain the insurance details, the policy number, as well as the name of the insurance provider. If the driver is not the owner of the vehicle, also collect the contact details of the owner.

Ideally, take note of the other car’s details, such as the model, year, color, and license plate number. This comes in handy when making a claim with the insurance or when you need the assistance of the police.

Above all, it’s important to remain calm and professional. Do not argue who is at fault or say things that can be used as evidence later.  

5. Document the Scene and Gather Evidence  

Taking detailed pictures and notes at the crash scene can be invaluable when negotiating with the insurance company or when processing claims. Document the damages on all the vehicles, plates, road conditions, traffic lights, as well as any injuries.

If anyone witnessed the event, ask them for their contact information. A witness statement can provide an independent account of events, which can help prove liability in the event of a claim.

Consequently, write down the day, the hour, and the area of the crash, as well as any observations about the weather and road conditions. The more facts you have, the more persuasive your case will be when negotiating with claims examiners from the insurance company or when going through the courts.  

6. Seek Medical Attention Even if You Feel Fine  

Even if you believe you have not been injured, going for a doctor’s examination after being in the accident is important. Some injuries, such as whiplash or soft tissue injuries, won’t be apparent until days or even hours after the accident.

A medical professional can assess your condition and identify any injuries. This documentation can be priceless if complications later arise with your health or if you have to file a claim for personal injury.

Thus, if you have been injured, remain with the treating doctor’s advice about how the injury is being treated and keep all the visits, treatments, and expenditures as evidence.  

Wrapping Up  

A car accident can be a frightening as well as life-altering experience, but having the necessary procedures in the wake can be streamlined. Thus, gathering evidence, reporting the occurrence to the insurance agency, as well as receiving a medical examination all become essential procedures in the preservation of your health as well as your legal rights.

While some accidents can be settled through claims alone, others require the use of the courts to be justly compensated. 

Hence, if you have disputes regarding liability, are dealing with a noncooperative insurance provider, or have suffered severe injuries, seeking the advice of a lawyer is the optimal choice for your case.