What to Do After An Accident? 6 Important Steps to Take

Knowing what to do after an accident can save you from costly mistakes and legal headaches. Accidents hit you out of nowhere, but how you handle the aftermath makes all the difference. The decisions you make in those first few hours can either protect you or leave you hanging out to dry. Here’s what you need to do to cover your bases.

Don’t miss our video interview below. Attorney Ronald F. Chalker guides you through the essential steps and warns about the blunders that could jeopardize your chances of receiving fair compensation.

1. Get Medical Help First – Your Health Matters Most

Your safety comes first, always. Move away from traffic if you can do so safely. Call 911 immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Getting medical care right away also creates necessary documentation for car accident claims.

So, don’t let adrenaline fool you into thinking you’re fine. Emergency responders know how to spot hidden injuries. Even if you feel okay, see a doctor within 24 hours. Many injuries do not appear until hours or days later. Whiplash, head trauma, and muscle damage don’t always hit you right away. In some cases, you wake up the next morning feeling like you got run over by a truck.

2. Call the Police and Document the Scene

Call the police every single time, even if it’s just a little fender bender. That report they write up is worth its weight in gold when you’re fighting with insurance companies later. While you’re stuck waiting around, start taking pictures like crazy. Get shots of the car damage from every angle you can think of. Don’t forget the street signs, traffic lights, any skid marks on the road – basically anything that tells the story of what happened. These pictures could save your skin when it comes to your accident claim. Make sure you get everyone’s info, too. Jot down names, phone numbers, who they’re insured with, policy numbers, license plates – the whole nine yards.

3. Contact Your Insurance Company Promptly

Report the incident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Most policies require prompt notification, and delays can compromise your coverage. Stick to basic facts about what happened without admitting fault or discussing injury details extensively.

Your insurer will assign a claims adjuster to investigate the case. Be honest, but choose your words carefully. Don’t provide recorded statements without legal counsel present, especially if you’ve sustained an injury that requires ongoing medical treatment.

4. What to Do After An Accident: Avoid Quick Settlement Offers

Insurance adjusters often contact victims quickly with lowball settlement offers. These initial offers rarely cover your actual damages and future medical needs. Don’t sign anything or accept money without consulting a professional, experienced attorney for legal advice.

Medical bills can pile up fast after collisions. You might need surgery, physical therapy, or ongoing treatment. Accepting early settlements means you’ll pay these costs out of your own pocket later, even for what seems like a minor car accident at first.

5. Keep Detailed Records of Everything

Start a file with all incident-related documents. Include police reports, medical records, insurance correspondence, repair estimates, and receipts for expenses. An organization helps your case tremendously during negotiations.

Track your symptoms and daily progress toward recovery. Write down pain levels, mobility issues, sleep problems, and how injuries affect your daily activities. This documentation proves the real impact on your life and supports your compensation claim effectively.

6. Consult a Personal Injury Attorney

Complex cases benefit significantly from professional legal guidance. Experienced car accident injury lawyers understand insurance company tactics and know how to protect your rights throughout the claims process while you focus on recovery.

Attorneys can evaluate whether you have a viable case and estimate its potential value. They handle negotiations with insurance companies and ensure you don’t miss important deadlines. Most lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless they win your case.

What to Do After An Accident? Understand Your Legal Rights!

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of injury-related death and disability. You have legal rights to fair compensation under state law.

Georgia’s legal system provides specific protections for victims. You can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses caused by someone else’s negligence. However, strict deadlines called statutes of limitations apply to all cases.

Moving Forward After Your Incident

Recovery involves both physical healing and financial restoration. The steps you take immediately set the foundation for both processes. Quick, informed action protects your interests when it matters most for your future.

Remember that knowing what to do after an accident empowers you to protect yourself effectively during this challenging time.

If you’ve been injured, don’t wait to get help. Call Chalker Injury Law today at (678) 319-9991 or  (800) 393-8595 for experienced representation you can trust. You may also visit our Contact page to schedule a free consultation.