7 Things to Do (or Not Do) After an Accident

Essential Steps After an Accident

When an accident occurs, there are crucial steps you need to take promptly. Whether minor or major, every accident can lead to legal matters, and failing to act accordingly can adversely impact the outcome of a potential case. Here are some of those vital actions.

1) It’s important to file an accident or incident report at the scene, if possible. This creates an official record of the event and can be invaluable in any future legal proceedings.

2) Don’t forget to take photographs at the accident scene. They serve as credible visual evidence that can help establish the facts related to the accident.

3) Always prioritize your health. Seek prompt medical treatment after an accident. Even if you think you’re fine, underlying injuries can surface later. Medical records can also be essential in a personal injury case.

4) Listen to your doctor and follow their advice. Complete all prescribed treatments and attend all follow-up appointments. This not only aids your recovery but also supports your potential claim.

5) Finally, consult with an attorney. A lawyer who specializes in personal injury or accident claims can guide you through this complicated process, protecting your rights and working toward fair compensation.

1) Get an accident/incident report taken at the scene if possible

There are many reasons why an accident or incident report isn’t completed after an accident. It could be that both sides feel it is a small incident and mutually decide not to get the police or supervisors involved. Some states don’t even require police involvement. It could also be that the at-fault party knows they are to blame and convinces the innocent party not to create a record of the accident.

In any case, always try to get a report written. If it’s an automobile accident, call the police and have them take a report at the scene. If you weren’t at fault, it is very important to document what happened. Even if you were partially at fault, it’s good to have your side of the story in writing at the scene.

If the accident happened on the job or at other commercial premises, the owner may be reluctant to fill anything out because they don’t want to admit liability. Insist that a report be drawn up. Make sure any witnesses at the scene stay to give their perspective on the accident.

2) Take pictures at the scene

In the olden days, before the advent of smartphones, this step would not have been practical. Not everyone had a dependable camera on them at all times. Now, with a good camera on most phones, you can chronicle an accident almost immediately after it happens. I once had an access hatch fall on me (I caught it), and I took pictures of the aftermath. This became very important when, three days later, it fell off again and hit me square on the head. Because I had photographed both accidents, it proved that the maintenance staff was negligent in repairing the damage, and I won my suit. If you fell because of a defective stairway, take a picture of it before the landlord fixes it up.

3) Seek treatment

Accidents often happen extremely quickly. This is especially true of motor vehicle accidents. Things happen so fast that you don’t have time to process what occurred. This might make you feel fine even after a very bad accident.

It’s dangerous to refuse medical help. Your body will have adrenaline coursing through it, masking any pain that might be under the surface. Go to the hospital or see a doctor if it’s suggested. If you don’t go the day of the accident, seek treatment soon after. Don’t be stubborn and wait.

4) Listen to Your Doctor

This may seem obvious, but if the doctor thinks it’s best for you to go to therapy three times a week for three months, make every appointment. Don’t think that just because your back is feeling a little better, you’re done. Injuries don’t often work like that. Complete every treatment.

Note: If you think your doctor is suggesting things that seem abnormal or excessive, it’s okay to seek a second opinion. But in general, you don’t know medicine better than your doctor (even with WebMD at your disposal).

5) Consult with an Attorney

Not every accident means a lawsuit, but it’s a good idea to speak with a personal injury attorney to discuss your case. Some warrant legal action; some don’t. However, avoid pursuing legal action frivolously. If you rear-ended a stopped car because you were sending a text, don’t think you can sue the driver in front of you for your injuries.

6) Plan Your Finances

For some, an accident may just mean a couple of days off from their desk job before going back to work. For others who are more seriously injured or whose jobs involve physical labor, it can mean weeks or months of lost wages. Some even lose their jobs because they are no longer able to work. Take a good look at how much you need to get by. If you have some savings tucked away, good for you. If you’ve been living paycheck to paycheck, it might be time to see if a friend, relative, bank, or lawsuit funding company can provide a loan to help you get by.

Check out our article on how to recover financially after a car accident.

7) Don’t Miss Legal or Medical Appointments

If you find yourself having to file a lawsuit, make sure you do what your attorney asks. There will be forms to fill out, questions to answer, and appointments to make. Court appointments are especially important. Missing even one of these can have a negative impact on your case. Some lawsuits are dismissed if the client is uncooperative. Life can get in the way, sure, but if you know you can’t make an appointment, inform your attorney ahead of time so they can reschedule. Don’t simply no-show.

There are probably 100 things you should do after an accident, but these are some of the more important ones. Not all of these will apply to everyone (some states have different requirements for accident reports, for instance), but this should give you an overview of what to do, and definitely what not to do.

Learn more about the steps involved in a car accident lawsuit here.

About Uplift Legal Funding

Uplift Legal Funding provides pre-settlement funding for most personal injury cases and specializes in auto accident loans. Feel free to give us a call anytime for a free consultation at (800) 385-3660.