Getting into an accident can be overwhelming and stressful, but knowing what to do right away can make a huge difference. Whether it’s dealing with injuries, property damage, or legal issues, acting fast can help protect your health and your rights. Here’s a simple guide to the first five things you should do after an accident. If your accident resulted in serious injuries, check out more about what to do in catastrophic injury cases here.
1. Make Sure Everyone is Safe
First things first—check yourself and anyone else involved for injuries. If someone is hurt, call 911 right away. If it’s safe, move your car out of traffic to avoid another crash. But if the accident is bad, leave the cars where they are until the authorities arrive.
2. Call the Police
Having the police on the scene is super important. They’ll document what happened, and their report can be critical if you need to file a personal injury claim later. Be honest, but don’t admit fault—it’s better to let the professionals determine that. If the police don’t come, you should still file a report with the DMV.
3. Gather as Much Evidence as Possible
If you can, take photos of the damage, the road, any traffic signs, and your injuries. Get the names and contact info of the other drivers, passengers, and any witnesses. Also, exchange insurance details with everyone involved. The more info you collect, the stronger your case will be later.
4. Get Checked by a Doctor
Even if you feel fine, some injuries—like whiplash or internal damage—might not show up right away. Seeing a doctor ensures you’re okay and also creates a medical record that can help with your claim. If your accident involved a motorcycle and you’re wondering how to handle the costs, this guide has useful info.
5. Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer
Insurance companies will try to pay you as little as possible. Having an experienced lawyer on your side means someone is fighting to get you the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and damages. A good lawyer will handle the negotiations and take legal action if needed.
If you’ve been in an accident, we are here to help. Our team will fight for your rights and make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Reach out for a free consultation, and let’s get started on your case today!
Jason at premier law group is truly an outstanding individual. Our particular case was not something that their firm usually sees but they were more than willing to help us and give us all of the information they had available. I can't recommend them enough.