Getting hurt in an accident can leave you overwhelmed by pain, confusion, and questions. In moments like these, it’s important to know what to do next. Taking the right steps early can protect your health, your rights, and your ability to recover compensation.
Whether you were injured in a car crash, slip and fall, or another type of incident, knowing what to do in those critical first moments can make all the difference. From seeking medical attention to documenting the scene, here's what you need to know to safeguard your recovery and build a strong case.
1. Get Medical Help Right Away
Your health comes first. If you are seriously hurt, call 911 or ask someone to call for you. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s still important to see a doctor.
The body’s stress response to injury or a frightening accident is a physiological reaction. It triggers hormonal changes, such as the release of cortisol and adrenaline, which suppress your ability to perceive pain. It’s common for injuries like soft tissue injuries or a concussion to go unnoticed initially.
You may even have injuries that simply develop or worsen over time. For instance, trauma may cause internal bleeding that causes few symptoms at first. If the bleeding continues, symptoms may not be noticeable until your condition is life-threatening.
A medical evaluation creates a record of your injuries. This will be important if you decide to file a claim later. Delaying treatment can hurt both your health and your case.
2. Report the Accident
Make sure the accident is officially reported. This could mean calling the police after a car crash or dog bite, notifying a store manager about a fall, or telling your employer about a work injury.
Ask for a copy of any incident report. If police respond, you can get a copy of the accident report later. Be sure to write down the name and title of the person you spoke with when reporting your injury.
If you didn’t report your accident immediately, it’s important to do so as soon as possible.
Don’t forget to report your accident to your insurance company, if relevant. Remember, you may be covered even outside of a traffic accident if you were hit as a pedestrian or bitten by a dog, for instance. Check if your homeowner’s or auto insurance policy will cover your accident, and let them know what happened.
3. Document the Scene
If you can, take photos or video of the scene before anything is cleaned up or moved.
Try to capture:
- Damage to vehicles or property
- Any hazards that contributed to your accident, like a spill on the floor, damaged asphalt, or broken equipment
- Traffic signals, weather, and lighting conditions
Also, write down what happened while the details are fresh in your mind. Include the time, date, location, and anything unusual that stood out.
4. Get Contact Information
Collect names and contact info from everyone involved, including:
- Other drivers and passengers
- Property owner or manager
- Witnesses
- Responding officers or supervisors
If it was a car accident, exchange insurance details with the other driver. Don’t discuss fault at the scene—just stick to the facts.
5. Avoid Giving Statements to Insurance Companies
You may get a call from the other party’s insurance company soon after the accident. Be careful what you say. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and may use your words against you later.
You are not required to give a recorded statement without a lawyer. It’s best to speak with a personal injury attorney before talking to insurance companies.
6. Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions
Go to all follow-up appointments and stick to your treatment plan. If you skip care or return to work too soon, it can weaken your case. Insurance companies may argue that you weren’t really hurt or that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim.
Keep copies of your medical records, prescriptions, and bills. These will help document the costs of your injury.
7. Keep Records and Track Costs
In addition to medical bills, keep track of other expenses like lost wages if you can’t work and out-of-pocket expenses like transportation for medical treatment or childcare.
Start a journal if you can. Write about your pain levels, mobility, mood, changes in your daily routine, and how the injury has affected your life. This can be powerful evidence in a personal injury claim.
8. Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer
An experienced personal injury attorney can protect your rights and help you understand your options. They can deal with the insurance companies, gather evidence, and work to get you the full compensation you deserve.
A consultation with a personal injury lawyer is usually free. They can help you understand if you have a case and what to do next. If you do hire a lawyer, they will likely take your case with a contingency fee agreement. This arrangement means you get the legal representation you need now without upfront legal costs. Your lawyer is only paid if your case is successful, and their fees are a percentage of your recovery.
Taking the right steps after an accident can make a big difference in your recovery, both physically and financially. If you or someone you love has been hurt, don’t wait to get the help you need. A lawyer can guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Joseph Volta is the founder and owner of Chandler-Volta Personal Injury Lawyers, a top-rated personal injury law firm with offices in Charlotte. Their attorneys have over 30 years of combined experience and have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for their clients. Contact us today for a free consultation.
