The moments after a car accident are some of the most important, but they are also full of confusion, making it difficult to know what your next steps should be. Having a clear mental checklist to keep you on track can make a significant difference not only for your overall health but also for any future legal claims you wish to pursue. Here’s what to do after a serious car accident from both a legal and medical perspective.
What Counts as a “Serious” Car Accident?
A serious car accident typically means that someone involved suffered a significant injury that required them to visit the hospital.
These types of accidents typically involve high speeds or a collision with a large vehicle like a commercial truck. However, even seemingly minor crashes can result in injuries that require a visit to the emergency room.
Some of the most common injuries that are considered “serious” include:
- Internal organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Severe burns
Suffering a disfiguring injury typically means the accident was serious as well. The same thing applies if anyone dies in the collision.
What to Do After a Serious Accident
The following steps can guide you both immediately after the accident and in the weeks and months afterward. Although the aftermath of a crash is never easy, it can be simpler if you have a clear outline to follow.
General Steps to Take Right Away
The first few minutes after a serious crash can be disorienting. Focus on protecting yourself and others from further harm. If you’re able, try to:
- Check on your safety and those around you. Make sure you and your passengers are not in immediate danger from traffic, fire, or other hazards.
- Move to a safer location, if possible. If your vehicle is blocking traffic and still operable, and you aren’t seriously hurt, pull over to a safer spot. Don’t try to move if you feel severe pain or suspect a head, neck, or back injury.
- Call or signal someone to call 911. Emergency responders should always be notified, even if injuries don’t seem obvious right away.
Key Steps for Addressing Your Medical Needs
After the crash, focusing on your health is crucial. Taking these medical steps can help you heal and document your injuries properly.
- Get a full assessment at the site of the injury. If you feel anything strange, even if it’s not exactly pain, let the paramedics know. That’s particularly vital in the diagnosis of a concussion.
- Speak up about unusual symptoms. If you feel nauseated, your vision is a bit blurry, or you feel “off” in any other way, don’t hesitate to inform paramedics.
- Watch for delayed symptoms. As previously mentioned, it’s common for symptoms to manifest long after the accident. Pay close attention to any changes in the way you feel in the hours and days after.
- Follow all of your doctor’s directions. If you do have an injury that requires care, following medical advice helps you heal more rapidly and also creates a clear record of your need for treatment.
Protecting Yourself Legally
While your health is the top priority, it’s equally important to protect your legal rights after a serious accident.
- Make sure law enforcement comes to the scene. While it’s not always legally required to start a claim, a police report can be a key piece of evidence that helps document what happened.
- Gather as much evidence from the scene as possible. This can include photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and your injuries; a written account of your own observations; eyewitness statements; and, if available, traffic camera footage.
- Avoid posting anything online about the accident. Keep photos, your diagnosis, and all other details off social media. Insurance companies often review public posts for any inconsistencies they can use to dispute or deny your claim.
- Don’t speak with your insurer in detail without legal support. Aside from a brief call to notify them of the crash, avoid further conversations until you’ve spoken with a car accident lawyer. With a legal advocate on your side, you can present a strong claim without worrying about accidentally saying something that could hurt your case.
There’s Help for What Comes Next
Recovering from a serious accident is tough enough without the added burden of navigating a complex injury claim alone. This is not a process you should have to face by yourself.
Working with a car accident lawyer allows you to focus on healing while a professional handles the legal challenges. Filing a lawsuit is much more than paperwork; it involves gathering the right evidence, building a strong case, and negotiating with insurance companies.
With the right legal support, you’ll have the resources, guidance, and advocacy needed to secure full compensation and help you move forward after a serious accident.
