What To Do After A Car Accident

First Steps Following a Car Accident

Experiencing a car crash can be unexpected and shocking. It’s important to take the right steps as soon as possible afterward to protect yourself both legally and medically. First, ensure your safety and that of others by moving out of traffic if you can. Dial 911 as soon as safely possible, even for minor incidents, as a legal record may be necessary later.

You should then communicate with the other drivers involved, noting their contact information and insurance details. It’s also crucial to gather evidence at the scene. This includes taking photos, collecting witness information, and recording key details.

Another critical step is to seek medical attention promptly, even if you don’t feel hurt. Injuries from car accidents can appear days or even weeks later.

Visit a Doctor

Visiting a doctor is crucial, even if you do not experience immediate symptoms. Sometimes, injuries are delayed after an accident. You should leave it up to a medical professional to determine if you require treatment. Symptoms that may arise days after the incident include:

• Headaches – This could be a sign of a concussion, brain injury, whiplash, neck injury, or even a blood clot.
• Neck or shoulder pain – This pain is often a sign of whiplash but could also be caused by a spinal injury.
• Back pain – This pain, especially if felt in the lower back, can also point to whiplash. It could also be a symptom of a sprain, herniated disc, muscle damage, or other soft-tissue injury.
• Tingling or numbness – If experienced along with back pain, this could point to pinched nerves. You may also experience weak limbs and pain.
• Abdominal pain – This pain could indicate a serious injury, such as internal bleeding or soft-tissue damage. If you experience this after an accident, it is crucial to seek prompt medical attention. Be sure to look out for other signs of internal bleeding, such as headaches, dizziness, and bruising.
• PTSD or emotional pain and suffering – Intense accidents often lead to depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Emotional pain and changes in personality can also be brought on by disabilities caused by the accident or even by brain injuries.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is important to seek medical help and look into filing a claim. Not only is visiting a doctor important for your health, but it is also crucial if you file a personal injury claim. Medical records strengthen your case and can significantly increase your settlement amount.

Take and Keep the Proper Documentation

Proper documentation serves as solid evidence to support your case. As soon as possible after the accident, try to retrieve the following:

• Insurance and driver information – The first thing you should retrieve after an accident is the opposing driver’s insurance information and identity. Write down the details, or take a picture of their driver’s license and insurance card. Also, take a picture of their license plate.
• Witness statements – It is important to obtain any available witness statements that describe what occurred and how the defendant’s negligence resulted in the accident that caused your injury. Be sure to get each witness to sign their statement.
• Photos or videos – As soon as possible after the incident, be sure to obtain photos and videos. These will serve as solid proof of the accident and injury. Take several shots of the car damage from every angle. Also, it is important to take pictures of the location. Include street signs, stop signs, traffic lights, etc.
• Traffic accident report that shows fault – For any injury accident, it’s important to have the police come and write a report.

As your case progresses, it’s important to keep good records of the following (your attorney will help here):

• Medical reports – This includes notes on your injuries and any surgeries you may have had (usually provided by your doctor), doctor correspondence, a journal describing any pain and inconvenience caused by the injury, and medical bills and receipts.
• Financial loss – This includes proof of lost wages and opportunities.

What Not To Do

Now that you are aware of the proper steps to take, follow these guidelines on what NOT to do:

• Don’t take the blame – Even if you think you were at fault, don’t admit it to the other party, witnesses, or the insurance company. Doing so might affect your claim.
• Don’t sign release forms too soon – Essentially, these forms end any current lawsuits and all future claims. This means that if you experience delayed injuries and have already signed a release of liability, you could lose out on compensation for your injuries.
• Don’t settle too soon – Wait until you have had a full medical checkup and your injuries have healed as much as possible. This helps both sides get a better picture of the total medical costs, which should be covered by your settlement.

Car Accident Loans

Taking the proper steps after an accident and providing proper documentation increase the value of your case. The more valuable a case, the higher the chance of a larger settlement for the plaintiff. The compensation won from a car accident lawsuit covers the plaintiff’s past and future medical expenses, wage loss, and pain and suffering.

Unfortunately, the plaintiff is often left with the financial burden until a settlement arrives. And to make matters worse, the legal process can take a while. Lawyers must obtain adequate witness statements, conduct research, and provide valid proof of negligence. Car accident loans can help plaintiffs bridge the gap between injury and settlement.

Uplift Legal Funding

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, Uplift Legal Funding can help. Auto accident loans help cover medical costs, lost wages, and other living expenses before a settlement. Apply online or give us a call at (800) 385-3660.