About 43 thousand people die in auto collisions every year. Meanwhile, about 20 to 50 million people suffer non-fatal injuries.
Without help, you might have to pay for property damages, medical bills, and lost wages out of pocket. In fact, the economic and societal impact of car crashes costs about $871 billion each year.
Unfortunately, not many people realize what to do immediately after an auto collision.
Here are the five steps you need to take immediately after a car crash. With these tips, you can gather the evidence you need to build your case. Then, you can file a lawsuit and receive the compensation you deserve.
With the help of a qualified car accident lawyer, you can make your case!
Get started with these tips today.
1. Move to Safety
It’s normal to feel confused and disoriented immediately after a crash crash. First, take a breath. Try to remain calm.
How you react immediately after an auto collision could impact your case. You don’t want to say or do anything that could make you appear liable for the crash. Reacting in anger could impact your lawsuit as well.
Instead, catch your breath. Assess your injuries.
Are you able to move? If so, try to move your car out of traffic right away. You’ll want to reduce the chance of another accident.
If you experience any flashes of pain, don’t risk moving. You don’t want to develop a spinal injury. Instead, call for help.
Don’t leave the scene of the crash. Otherwise, the police could charge you with a hit-and-run. Instead, remain near the site of the accident.
Seeking Treatment
You might not realize the severity of your injuries until days, weeks, or even months after the crash. Adrenaline could mask a severe car crash injury. It’s important to visit a medical professional right away.
Only a doctor can assess your health. Their professional assessment could benefit your case.
Don’t wait too long to visit a doctor. Otherwise, the insurance company could claim you sustained your injuries after the accident.
A doctor can schedule image testing to note the severity of your car crash injuries. They’ll determine if you have a spinal injury, whiplash, or internal injuries. Whiplash symptoms can include:
- Neck stiffness
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Shoulder pain
- Lower back pain
- Pain in the hand or arm
- Numbness in the hand or arm
- Ringing in your ears
- Sleeplessness
- Tiredness
- Irritability
- Memory problems
- Blurred vision
If you have internal injuries, it’s important to seek medical treatment right away. Visiting a doctor immediately after the crash will ensure you receive treatment. Otherwise, you might not get help until it’s too late.
Make sure to continue seeking treatment after your car crash. Keep track of the doctors you visit, the medications you take, and the treatments you receive. Your car accident lawyer will use these records to prove your losses.
2. Call the Police
Don’t hesitate to call the police. In some states, you’re legally obligated to file a police report after an auto collision. The official police report will also benefit your case.
While you wait for the police to arrive, avoid small talk. Don’t discuss the severity of your injuries, either. If anyone asks, say only a medical professional can assess your health.
When the police arrive, make sure to stick to the facts. Don’t embellish.
Make a note of the police officer’s name and badge number. Your car accident attorney might need to contact them in the future.
Ask the police officer for a copy of their official police report.
3. Gather Evidence
Take a moment to gather evidence while you wait for the police to arrive. Otherwise, someone might clean up the scene of the crash after you leave. You’ll need visual evidence to support any claims you make.
A judge and jury are more likely to believe your claims if you have evidence to support your side of the story.
Gather photo and video evidence immediately after the car accident. Take photos of the:
- Cars involved in the crash at all angles
- Street view and street signs
- Nearby buildings and landmarks
- Specific damages to your car
- Your own injuries
You’ll need to gather information about the other driver, too. Make sure to exchange your contact and insurance information before the police arrive. You’ll need the drivers:
- Full name
- Phone number
- License number
- License plate number
- Insurance company and policy number
- The make, model, and year of their vehicle
Remember not to admit fault when you speak with the driver. Don’t apologize for what happened, either. An apology is an admission of fault.
4. Call the Insurance Company
Call your insurance company while you’re still at the scene of the auto collision. Some insurance companies require you to use an app to file your claim. Make sure to have the app downloaded before you’re in an accident.
Follow your insurance agent’s instructions for filing your car accident claim.
5. Find a Lawyer
If you want to file a lawsuit, it helps to have a talented lawyer at your side. Your car accident lawyer can use the evidence you gathered to prove you weren’t at fault. Otherwise, you might struggle to negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company.
The other party’s insurance company will want to pay you as little as possible. They could argue you were negligent for the crash. They might argue your injuries weren’t as intense as you claimed.
There are about six million car accidents in the US every year. Make sure to find a lawyer who specializes in car accidents.
An experienced car accident attorney will know how to file your claim. They’ll avoid making costly mistakes that could cause a delay.
With their help, you can prove the other driver was negligent.
Then, you can fight to receive the compensation you need to cover your losses.
Make Your Case: 5 Steps to Take After an Auto Collision
Don’t hesitate to call a car accident lawyer. With their help, you can file a claim and receive the compensation you deserve. You can cover your losses after an auto collision without stress.
Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone. Instead, find a qualified car accident lawyer who will fight by your side.
Want to file a claim? We can help.
Schedule a free consultation with our team today to get started.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
