A car accident can turn your day (and your life) upside down. One moment, you’re driving to work or picking up groceries. The next, you’re in pain, confused, and unsure of what to do. It’s easy to make mistakes in those first few minutes and hours. But what you do right after a crash matters.
Hasbrook & Hasbrook Personal Injury Lawyers helps Oklahoma car accident victims take the right steps from day one. We understand how stressful these moments are. That’s why we make things simple. From calling emergency services to handling the insurance company, we guide you through every part of the process. Our goal is to protect your legal rights while you focus on healing.
Step 1 – Call 911 and Get Medical Help Immediately
Your safety comes first after any car accident. Calling 911 gets emergency help on the way. It also starts the official record of the crash. Even if the accident seems minor, medical care and a police report can protect your health and your legal rights later on.
Always Report the Accident to the Police
Don’t leave the scene without reporting the crash. Police officers will arrive and create an official report. This document may include statements from both drivers, witness names, road conditions, and more. It can play a big role in your personal injury claim.
Without it, insurance adjusters might argue about what really happened. The police report gives your case more credibility. Even if you feel okay, don’t assume everything is fine. Some injuries show up later. Calling the police helps protect you. Always ask for a copy of the report for your records.
Request an Ambulance If Anyone Is Hurt
If someone is bleeding, unconscious, or in pain, call for an ambulance right away. Don’t try to move them unless they’re in danger. Paramedics know how to handle these situations safely. Even if injuries seem small, it’s better to let medical professionals check.
Pain can worsen after the adrenaline wears off. Emergency responders also document injuries at the scene. That’s helpful later when filing a car accident claim. Getting care fast shows that the injury was serious and not caused by something else.
Medical Records Help Link Injuries to the Crash
One of the most important parts of any personal injury case is proving the accident caused your injuries. Medical records do that. They show what treatment you received and when. If you delay seeing a doctor, insurance companies might argue your injuries came from something else.
Get checked the same day, even if you feel okay. Some injuries, like concussions or internal damage, don’t show symptoms right away. Seeing a doctor creates a paper trail. Keep copies of every record, bill, and follow-up appointment.
Step 2 – Document the Accident Scene
After making sure everyone is safe, and emergency help is on the way, start gathering as much evidence as you can.
Take Photos and Videos of Vehicle Damage, Injuries, and Road Conditions
Use your phone to take pictures from different angles. Show the damage to all vehicles, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries. Capture skid marks, broken glass, or debris on the road. Get wide shots and close-ups.
Videos can also help show how the crash happened. If it’s safe, take a short video walking around the accident scene. This evidence helps prove what really occurred. Insurance adjusters may question your story. But clear visual proof speaks for itself. Save all your images in a secure folder, and don’t delete anything, even if it seems minor.
Get Contact Info From the Other Driver(s)
Ask for the full name, phone number, and insurance information from every driver involved. Also, get their license plate number and driver’s license details. Don’t argue or discuss blame; just collect the facts.
If the other driver refuses to give information, wait for the police to arrive and document everything. Be polite, but protect yourself. You’ll need this info to start your insurance claim or to give to your personal injury attorney.
If the at-fault driver’s insurance company contacts you later, having this information ready can make a big difference. Always double-check that you wrote it down correctly.
Collect Names and Contact Info of Any Witnesses
Witnesses can support your version of the crash. If anyone saw what happened, ask for their name and phone number. It could be a bystander, a nearby driver, or even someone working at a nearby business. Their statements might be essential later if there’s a dispute over who caused the crash.
Don’t count on police to gather every name. Take the lead and ask politely. Let your car accident attorney follow up later. A good witness can help prove fault and strengthen your case. Even if you’re not sure their input will help, it’s better to have it just in case.
Look for Traffic Cameras or Surveillance Nearby
Many intersections, stores, and homes have cameras. Check for any that might have recorded the accident. Take note of the location, business name, or building address. You don’t need to ask for footage right away. Just write it down so your lawyer can request it later.
Video footage can be powerful evidence. It can show how fast cars were moving, what traffic lights were doing, or if a driver was distracted. Don’t assume the footage will still be available later. Cameras often overwrite recordings every few days.
That’s why it’s best to act fast and give this info to your lawyer.
Step 3 – Don’t Admit Fault or Discuss Details at the Scene
Right after a crash, your emotions may run high. But it’s vital to stay calm and say as little as possible. This helps protect your legal rights moving forward.
Stick to the Facts When Speaking With Police
Only tell the police what you clearly remember. Share the time, place, and what you were doing just before the accident. If you’re unsure about something, say so. Avoid guessing or adding opinions. Police will use your statement in their report. This document can affect your case.
Hasbrook & Hasbrook Personal Injury Lawyers often review these reports to help car accident victims understand their position. Staying factual gives your personal injury lawyer a strong base to defend your claim.
Avoid Apologizing or Guessing About What Happened
Saying “I’m sorry” might feel polite, but it can be seen as admitting fault. Don’t guess about how the crash happened. If you didn’t see something, don’t try to explain it. Let the police do their job. Even a simple apology can hurt your personal injury claim later. Insurance companies may use it against you. Focus on your safety and others involved.
What You Say Can Be Used Against You Later
After an accident, anything you say can be used later in your case. Insurance adjusters and the other driver’s attorney may take your words out of context. They may use them to deny your claim or reduce your payout. That’s why it’s smart to speak only when needed. Stick to short, factual statements. Let Hasbrook & Hasbrook Personal Injury Lawyers speak for you when the time is right.
Step 4 – Notify Your Insurance Company Promptly
You should tell your insurance provider about the crash as soon as possible. Quick notice helps protect your rights and keeps your coverage in good standing.
Provide Basic Information About the Crash
When you call, just share the basics. Say when and where the crash happened. Share the other driver’s info and the police report number. Do not admit fault or talk about injuries in detail yet. Keep it short and honest. Let your car accident attorney handle the rest. This helps protect your legal rights from the start.
Don’t Agree to a Recorded Statement Without Legal Advice
The insurance company may ask you to give a recorded statement. You should not do this without speaking to a lawyer first. What you say can hurt your case. Even small mistakes may be used to lower your settlement. Hasbrook & Hasbrook Personal Injury Lawyers can guide you through this. They’ll make sure your words aren’t used against you.
Be Careful When Discussing Injuries or Damages
You may not feel pain right away. Injuries can show up hours or days later. Don’t say you’re fine or downplay your condition. Insurance adjusters may use this to reduce your claim. Say you plan to see a doctor and are still checking on your injuries. Let your personal injury attorney handle the rest.
Step 5 – See a Doctor Even If You Feel “Fine”
Some injuries don’t show up right away. Getting medical help now protects your health and your claim.
Some Injuries Take Days to Appear
You may feel fine at first. However, neck, back, or head injuries can show up later. Without medical care, they may get worse. Seeing a doctor helps find hidden injuries early. It also shows the crash caused your pain. That link is key in any personal injury lawsuit or claim.
Delayed Treatment Can Hurt Both Your Health and Your Claim
If you wait too long to get care, the insurance company may say your injuries aren’t serious. They might claim something else caused them. Quick treatment proves the accident caused your pain. It also helps your recovery. Keep all your medical records to support your personal injury claim.
Step 6 – Keep Records of Everything
Strong evidence helps you win your claim. Keep all documents in one place.
Medical Bills and Doctor’s Notes
Save every bill, receipt, and doctor’s note. These show how much the accident cost you. They also prove how the injuries affect your life. Your car accident attorney will use these to build your case.
Missed Work and Lost Wages
Ask your employer for a letter showing missed days. Keep pay stubs before and after the crash. Lost wages are part of your claim. You deserve to recover every dollar.
Pain Journal or Daily Log of Symptoms
Write down your pain each day. Note what you can and can’t do. This helps show how the injury affects your life. A simple journal can be powerful evidence.
Car Repair Estimates and Receipts
Get a repair estimate from a trusted shop. Keep all receipts if your vehicle needs repairs. If it’s totaled, save the value report. Property damage is part of your car accident claim.
Step 7 – Avoid Posting on Social Media
What you post online can hurt your claim—even if it seems harmless.
Insurance Companies May Monitor Your Accounts
Insurance adjusters often check your social media. A happy post, photo, or location tag can be used to say you’re not really hurt. Even private posts may be found. It’s best to stay off social media until your case is done.
Posts Can Be Misinterpreted and Used to Deny Claims
Your words or photos can be twisted. A simple update or check-in may seem like proof you’re fine. Avoid sharing anything about your health or the accident. It’s safer to say nothing until your personal injury lawyer resolves the case.
Step 8 – Contact a Car Accident Lawyer as Soon as Possible
A knowledgeable lawyer protects your rights and takes the pressure off you. Don’t wait too long.
Get Advice Before Talking to the Other Driver’s Insurance
Insurance companies may call you quickly. They may seem helpful. But they’re protecting their own side. Don’t speak to the other driver’s insurance company until you speak to Hasbrook & Hasbrook Personal Injury Lawyers. They’ll guide you so your words don’t get used against you.
Understand Your Rights and Legal Options
A car accident lawyer helps you understand what you can claim. You may be owed more than you think. Medical bills, lost income, pain, and other losses all matter. Your lawyer will explain your options and help you take the best next step.
A Lawyer Can Handle Communication, Evidence, and Negotiations
Your lawyer deals with the insurance company, gathers evidence, and fights for a fair settlement. This lets you focus on healing. Hasbrook & Hasbrook Personal Injury Lawyers know how to win complex personal injury cases. They’ll work to get you the compensation you deserve.
FAQs
1. What should I do first after a car crash?
Always call 911 and seek medical attention right away. Even if you feel fine, you may have hidden car accident injuries. Getting medical treatment early helps your recovery and supports your claim. Don’t wait — insurance companies may argue that delays mean your injuries aren’t serious.
2. Do I need an experienced car accident lawyer for minor crashes?
Yes, even minor crashes can lead to big problems. Some injuries worsen over time. The claims process can also get complicated. An experienced car accident lawyer helps protect your rights, deal with insurance companies, and recover full compensation.
3. How do I know if the other driver’s insurance coverage applies?
Your lawyer will review all policies to find every source of coverage. If the at-fault driver’s insurance isn’t enough, other options, like underinsured motorist coverage, may help. Every case is different, so legal advice is key.
4. Can I still file a claim if I didn’t go to the ER right away?
Yes, but it can be harder. You’ll need proof that the car accident caused your injuries. That’s why it’s so important to seek medical attention quickly. Document everything and follow all medical treatment plans.
5. How long does the claims process take?
It depends. Some cases settle in weeks. Others take months or longer, especially if you have serious injuries. A lawyer can move your case along, handle delays, and push for results. Hasbrook & Hasbrook Personal Injury Lawyers focus on making the process as smooth as possible.
Contact Our Oklahoma Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been hurt in a car crash, you don’t have to face the insurance company alone. The claims process can be stressful, especially when you’re also dealing with car accident injuries, medical treatment, and missed work. Hasbrook & Hasbrook Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help.
We are a trusted personal injury law firm based in Oklahoma. Our team has decades of experience fighting for injured drivers and passengers. We know how to build strong cases, deal with adjusters, and push for the maximum compensation available.
Let an experienced car accident lawyer guide you every step of the way. We’ll explain your legal rights, handle the paperwork, and stand up to insurance companies on your behalf. Call us today for a free consultation. We only get paid if we win your case.