Things to Do Immediately After a Car Accident [2024]

Introduction

Right after you’ve been involved in a car accident, it can be confusing and scary to know exactly what to do next. Of course, no matter where your accident occurs, your top priority should be getting to a safe place and receiving immediate medical attention for any injuries you may have sustained from the car crash.

But what else should I do? After you’ve received medical care, there are certain steps you should take to protect your own rights and safety. Calling a personal injury attorney in Denver can be one of the safest bets for protecting (and knowing) your rights after a car accident. They may even be able to help you determine whether or not you’re eligible for any form of financial compensation. Here, we’re taking a closer look at 5 important things to do immediately following a car accident. At the end of the day, these steps could make a major difference.

5 Things to Do Right After a Car Accident

While we all hope to never even be in an accident to begin with, it’s still important to know what to do if this odes happen. After all, auto accidents, sadly enough, are not a rare occurrence in our world today. Data shows that roughly 4.4 million people are hurt seriously enough to require medical attention from car accidents each year in this country. So if you are in an accident, you’ll want to know what to do next.

If you are involved in a car accident, follow these steps:

1. Move over to safety: if possible, try to first move your vehicle to a safe location like the side of the road or a nearby parking lot. This will help to prevent more cars from being involved, which will only make the accident worse and endanger more lives and property. If your car is unable to move, look for anything that can be used like a road cone to warn oncoming traffic about the accident.
2. Call 911: when you’re in a safe place, call 911 as soon as you can following a car accident. This will achieve two primary purposes. First, calling 911 will send an ambulance to the site of the crash to treat any individual who has been injured. Even if you don’t feel hurt, it’s smart to get checked out by a medical professional anyway. In some instances, the adrenaline your body produces in response to the crash will actually cover any immediate feelings of pain or injury.

Secondly, this will send the police to your auto accident. Not only will they help to manage and clear away the accident, but you’ll also get an official report. These reports serve as an objective account of what actually happened. Police will interview anyone involved and even bystanders to get a clear picture of how the crash occurred. This police report can be used to attribute fault if a personal injury claim is filed. The police can also help you get proper medical care and help you determine what to do next.

3. Exchange information with other drivers: when waiting for the police or medical attention to arrive, you can use this time to exchange basic information with other drivers. It’s generally standard procedure to exchange basic contact information (a cell phone number will do) and your insurance information. But aside from that, don’t feel at all pressured to divulge any additional information. You also should never admit fault to anyone—even if you think you did play a role. Also, if the other driver attempts to give you a cash payment, you should refuse and go through the proper channels, such as your insurance company or a car accident lawyer.
4. Gather evidence: after the crash, try to gather as much evidence as you can. This evidence could prove critical if you end up filing a personal injury claim. The evidence can come in a few different forms, including photographs (just using your phone works fine). Take some photos of the vehicles, any additional damage to property, and the overall scene of the crash. Additionally, you can also gather evidence like eye witness reports from any bystanders who saw what happened. Even if police do interview these individuals at some point, it never hurts to have their accounts recorded for your own needs as well.
5. Call a personal injury attorney: last but not least, make sure you call a local and experienced personal injury law firm. A personal injury attorney can assess your case and help you determine what to do next. If you’re eligible, they may encourage you to file a personal injury claim so that you can receive fair compensation for your injuries. If needed, these professionals will also represent you in court.

Conclusion

Every day in this country, there are many car accidents. While varying in the severity of the injuries and property damage, any scale of car accident can be an incredibly frightening and confusing experience. This is why it can prove so beneficial to already know some of the key steps to take right after an auto accident. Not only will this ensure that you have access to the resources you’ll need for your recovery, but knowing what to do after a crash can better your odds of receiving financial compensation for your personal injury claim.

After you receive any needed medical attention, it’s important to receive an official police report. This will give you an official and objective account of the crash. Then, call your insurance provider to inform them about the events that occurred. However, don’t rush to accept any settlement offers until you’ve spoken with an experience Colorado car accident attorney as insurance companies often “low ball” claims. Personal injury attorneys, on the other hand, who work solely on personal injury claims can help assess your case, determine its true worth, and help you receive the justice and compensation you truly deserve.