Injured in a Car Accident? A Step-by-Step Guide

Learn what to do if you’re injured in a car accident with our step-by-step guide to protect your health, rights, and legal claim.

Involvement in a car accident is a traumatic and stressful ordeal that can make you feel lost and scared, thus opting for the right measures can significantly boost how you manage the situation. 

It doesn’t matter if the accident was a minor bump or something more serious, the right decisions will aid you in preserving your health and rights besides aiding you in acquiring the rightful compensation. The following guide breaks down the things you should do when you get injured in a car accident one step at a time.

Step 1: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe and Call for Help

Firstly, when an accident happens, always put safety at the top of your list. After making sure everyone is okay, if it’s safe to do so, you should move the cars to the side of the road so that the traffic can flow smoothly and no one else is put in harm’s way. You should also turn on your hazard lights to warn the incoming vehicles. Injuries can be very serious even if it does not look like it at first, so you should not hesitate to contact emergency medical services. The medical personnel will determine the seriousness of the injuries and give the necessary treatment.

Step 2: Document the Accident Scene Thoroughly

After the area has been secured and the police have been summoned, you should immediately focus on collecting as much evidence as you can. The pictures you take should obviously represent the damaged parts of the vehicles, the relative positions of the cars, any signage visible, the state of the road, and you should also photograph any injuries you might have. The evidence you gather here will be crucial in proving the accident’s facts so be thorough and detailed. Also, if there are any people who saw the accident happen, you should acquire their phone numbers because their testimony may be very helpful during the claim process.

Step 3: Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Remember, you should not base your need to go to the doctor by how you feel after the accident as a lot of injuries can show no symptoms at all at the initial stage. It is quite common to have damages such as whiplash and some internal injuries that do not show outward symptoms quite early. Not only that, waiting too long to get medical treatment can actually worsen your condition and make it harder for you to succeed with your insurance claim or law case later on. Need Car Accident Lawyer in Salt Lake City? Consulting a professional attorney can also help you understand your legal options after you’ve been examined by a doctor.

Step 4: Report the Accident to the Authorities

A police report plays a vital role in the documentation process, and it can also serve as a reference to the accident details. Even if the accident looks like a minor one, complete an accident report with the police. A police officer will collect data and make an official report that may be utilized when filing an insurance claim or taking legal action. The police report will also serve as evidence to identify the person at fault, which is necessary to determine who is responsible for the accident.

Step 5: Contact Your Insurance Company

After making sure that you are safe and getting the necessary medical attention, it is a good step to notify your insurance company. Report the accident to them as soon as possible. Tell the truth and be clear about the incident without admitting blame or making any statements that could harm your claim. Your insurance company will lead you through the process that might involve filing your claim and deciding on the repair of your vehicle or the coverage of medical expenses.

Step 6: Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have suffered an injury due to the accident, then it would be a good idea to get a personal injury lawyer on your side. Such a lawyer will be of great help in getting to know your rights, reviewing the evidence, and ensuring that you get fair treatment and compensation for your injuries. They have expertise in handling, not only, the intricate legal formalities of the case but also the insurance bargaining, thus making sure that your rights are fully respected and you don’t accept any offer that is less than what you deserve.

Step 7: Keep Detailed Records of Your Injuries and Expenses

Besides securing photos and videos of the accident scene, you should not forget to document your medical treatment thoroughly, keep records of your medical-related expenses, as well as your income loss due to the accident. Therefore, doctor’s appointments, physical therapy sessions, medications, and medical devices are examples of what you may need. Always keep originals or copies of all your medical bills and receipts related to your injury. These records may be of substantial importance in your damage computation and in your litigation process.

Step 8: Be Prepared for a Settlement or Trial

Usually, to avoid the inconveniences of the trial, insurance carriers initiate settlement discussions. Still, if a settlement offer is unreasonably low or the dispute is over the case, then filing a lawsuit might be your next step. Your lawyer will be the one that assists you in determining whether a case is strong enough to go to trial and thereby explain the whole litigation process to you if need be. The objective is of course to get proper recompense for your bodily harm, loss of income, emotional distress, and other expenses.

Step 9: Understand the Statute of Limitations

Like most other states, Utah has a statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits. What this essentially entails is that there is only a limited time window during which you can sue after the accident. For a typical case, after a car accident, your time frame should be four years starting from the very date the accident occurred. Nonetheless, depending on the specific factors of the case, this period might be different; therefore, you should definitely get legal advice as soon as you can to be safe.

Step 10: Focus on Your Recovery

Whilst enduring the whole ordeal, you should never lose sight of the fact that your health recovery should come first. It would be best not to neglect your medical check-ups, adhere to your physician’s instructions, and record your recovery. Your physical healing should be your utmost priority always. And even if your condition is so serious that you will require long-term treatment or rehabilitation, you should still keep receiving medical treatment accordingly.

In the aftermath of an auto accident, the road to recovery can be challenging. By following these steps, you can take proactive measures to protect your rights and ensure that you are adequately compensated for your injuries. If you find yourself in need of legal guidance, Waddoups Law Personal Injury Attorneys is here to provide the support and expertise you need to navigate the process and pursue the justice you deserve.