5 Steps to Take After a Car Accident: Legal Guidance

Car accidents happen every day around the world; they’re jarring and often leave you disoriented and unsure of your next steps. It’s a scenario you may not have thought about, but it can happen anytime.

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), 1 in every 20 U.S. citizens with a driver’s license was involved in a car accident in 2022. It was further reported that the costs per accident varied between 5,000 to upwards of 1 million dollars, depending on the severity.

But with the number of road accidents per one million U.S. citizens projected to decrease in the coming years to just above 7,100 by 2025, it helps to know the steps to take following a car accident. Doing so lowers your expenses and increases the chances of a successful insurance claim.

So, whether you’ve been recently involved in an accident or want general information, this blog provides legal guidance in five clear steps on how to handle the aftermath of a car accident.

Let’s dive in!

1. Prioritize Your Safety First and Notify Authorities

The first few moments after an accident are the most important. First, ensure everyone else is okay and whether they require immediate attention. If your car is drivable and there are no serious injuries, move it out of traffic. If you can’t move your car, turn on the hazard lights or use warning triangles to alert other motorists.

After everyone is safe, call 911. No matter how minor the accident may be, you should always ensure you have a police report, which is an unbiased account of what happened. It will help determine fault and back up your case later.

Also, when talking to the police, only give the facts, such as whether you think you are at fault or not.

2. Get Medical Treatment Immediately

It’s easy to write off minor aches or assume you’re okay if there’s no immediate pain, but injuries from car accidents can be deceiving. Ailments like whiplash, concussions, or internal bleeding frequently don’t materialize until hours or even days later.

Getting medical treatment immediately after the accident is important for your health and for creating a paper trail linking your ailments to the accident.

For example, if you live in Long Island or had an accident there, it’s crucial you get in touch with Long Island car accident lawyers shortly after seeking medical aid. Car accident lawyers in Long Island are familiar with the specifics of local law and will navigate you through the sometimes confusing process of filing claims and fighting for compensation.

They’ll ensure that your medical records (and other evidence) become part of the official record, supporting your case.

3. Document Everything

The value of good documentation cannot be overestimated after a car accident. Essentially, you are creating a timeline that will back up your case and validate what actually took place.

Here is a list of what you need to document for the case:

Accident Scene: Take pictures and recordings of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, visible property damage, any skid marks, road signs, traffic signals, etc.
Injuries: Take pictures of any injuries you suffered right after the accident, and continue to take photos as they heal. This will help document your recovery progress.
Witnesses: If there were any witnesses, get their contact information and request if they would be willing to provide a brief statement regarding what they witnessed. Oftentimes, this can be critical evidence in the event there is a dispute as to who was at fault.
Expenses: Save all receipts for expenses resulting from the car accident, such as medical bills or repairs. You’ll need these to calculate your losses.

The more evidence you gather, the stronger your case will be when it’s time to negotiate with an insurance adjuster or have the jury consider your lawsuit.

4. Seek Legal Advice Early

One of the smartest choices you can make following an accident is to meet with an attorney as soon as possible. It’s quite tempting to believe you’ll be able to handle your claims without legal representation, especially if the accident was minor.

However, insurance companies are for-profit corporations that rarely have your best interests at heart. They will offer you a settlement that does not take into account the full extent of your damages.

Thus, a car accident lawyer with experience will help you secure a fair settlement.

5. Communicate Carefully With the Insurance Adjusters

After an accident, you’ll likely receive a call from an insurance adjuster, possibly within hours. Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, and their job is to protect the company’s bank account, not yours.

An adjuster will try to obtain your recorded statement with the hope that you might say something they can use to discredit your claim.

Here are a few things you should adhere to when talking to an insurance adjuster:

Stick to the basics and provide general information, such as where and when the accident happened. Don’t discuss your injuries or admit fault.
Never give a recorded statement until you’ve spoken with your lawyer.
Don’t accept a settlement without your attorney looking it over first.

Allowing an attorney to communicate with the insurance company on your behalf is always a big weight off your shoulders. They’ll ensure nothing you say can be misinterpreted or used against you and work to get you the settlement you deserve.

Final Thoughts

Car accidents can be very disruptive and stressful, but how you react afterward will help shape your recovery, both physically and financially. Remember to prioritize safety by moving vehicles out of the road and seeking medical attention for anyone who may need it.

Document as much as possible at the scene, file a lawsuit and claim with your insurance company as quickly as possible, and consider discussing your case with an attorney.

If you’re in Long Island, New York, contact a reputable Long Island car accident lawyer to walk you through the process and ensure that you stay clear and confident during this difficult time.