Being involved in a car accident can be overwhelming, but knowing what to do and what not to do afterward is crucial for protecting your rights and well-being. Whether it’s a small fender bender or a major car crash, the steps you take immediately after a crash can have a decisive impact on any legal or insurance issues.
Staying calm and focused is important despite the stress and confusion after a motor vehicle collision in Oklahoma. Handling the situation correctly can help you avoid common mistakes that could negatively impact your insurance claims or legal outcomes. Hasbrook & Hasbrook is here to help you do exactly that.
Your actions are important in the moments following a car accident. First, make sure everyone involved is safe and check for injuries. If the collision is minor and there are no major injuries, move vehicles to a safe location if possible. Then, contact the police to file a report. This will be crucial for insurance and legal purposes.
What You Should Do After a Car Accident
After a car crash, your first focus should be on safety and documentation. Our experienced attorney is here to help you understand exactly what to do to put yourself in a position to advocate for your rights.
Ensure Safety and Check for Injuries
First, ensure everyone’s safety by moving to a safe area away from traffic. Check yourself and others for injuries. Do not try to move anyone who is severely injured unless there is a grave danger, as this can cause further harm. Alert oncoming traffic to the accident scene using hazard lights or road flares to prevent further accidents.
Call 911 and Report the Accident
It’s crucial to call 911 after a car accident. This becomes even more important if there are injuries or catastrophic damage. The police will come to the accident scene, which helps ensure an official record of the event. They will file a police report, which is essential when arguing insurance claims and legal issues. When the police arrive, provide your account of what happened, but stay with the facts without speculating or guessing.
Gather Information from the Other Driver and Witnesses
Swap contact and insurance information with the other parties at the scene, including names, phone numbers, addresses, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact details as well, as their statements could be vital in verifying the details of the accident. Be polite and cooperative, but avoid discussing faults or details of the accident extensively at this stage.
Record the Accident Scene with Photos and Videos
Use your smartphone or camera to snap pictures of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, visible damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and skid marks. These images can be critical evidence for your insurance adjuster or car accident lawyer when assessing the damages or handling disputes. Also, write down or record a voice memo detailing your recollection of the accident as soon as possible.
Seek Medical Attention, Even for Minor Injuries
Always seek medical attention after a car accident, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, might not show immediate symptoms. Visiting a doctor ensures your health is monitored and provides essential medical records if you file a personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Call and tell your insurance provider about the crash as soon as possible. Be honest about the incident and provide them with all the necessary information. This initial report can start the insurance claims process and set the stage for handling damages or catastrophic injuries.
Keep Detailed Records of All Accident-Related Expenses
Maintain a meticulous record of all crash-related expenses, including medical bills, repair costs, and other expenditures incurred due to the accident. These records are important when recovering costs through your insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. We will use this information to help you justify your request amount.
Speak with a Personal Injury Lawyer Before Accepting a Settlement
Before you agree to any settlement offers from an insurer, consult with a personal injury lawyer. A skilled car accident attorney can help ensure that the settlement reflects the complete extent of your damages and that you are not waiving any important rights. We will ensure we put your case in the best position possible for success.
What You Should Not Do After a Car Accident
Just as important as knowing what to do is knowing what not to do after a car accident. A few crucial actions you need to avoid include:
Do Not Admit Fault or Apologize at the Scene
After a car accident, avoid making statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Even saying “I’m sorry” can be used against you in insurance claims and legal proceedings. It’s best to limit your communication to exchanging contact and insurance information and speaking to the police.
Do Not Give a Recorded Statement to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company
You are not obligated to give the other driver’s insurance company a recorded statement. These statements can be used to minimize your claim. Always consult your car accident lawyer before speaking to another driver’s insurance adjuster or providing formal statements.
Do Not Delay Seeking Medical Treatment
Delaying medical treatment can jeopardize your health and weaken your insurance claim or personal injury case. Insurance companies and courts may view a delay in seeking medical attention as indicating that the injuries were not severe or tied to the crash. It would help if you saw a doctor as soon as possible, for your case and health.
Do Not Sign Any Paperwork Without Calling a Lawyer
Never sign any documents, especially a settlement offer, without consulting a car accident lawyer first. Signing without legal advice could lead to accepting less compensation than you deserve or waiving rights to further compensation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident
Several common mistakes can complicate your car accident claim and legal proceedings.
Failing to Report the Accident to Authorities
Always report your accident to the police, even if it seems minor. A police report is an official record of the collision, which is crucial for insurance and legal purposes. Failing to report can also be seen as an attempt to hide the accident’s severity or details.
Not Following Up on Medical Treatment
Follow all medical advice and attend all follow-up appointments. Consistent medical records are key in proving the extent and impact of your injuries. Skipping appointments or ignoring medical advice can be used against you by insurance companies. They might use this to say that your injuries are not that serious.
Settling Too Quickly Without Understanding the Full Extent of Injuries
Please do not rush into a settlement before you fully know the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life. Premature settlements can prevent you from getting full compensation, as some injuries require time to manifest or evaluate fully.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Position Your Case for Success
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with legal complexities and insurance companies. A skilled car accident lawyer can significantly enhance your chances of securing a favorable outcome.
Here’s how a car accident lawyer can position your case for success:
- Evaluate your case: A car accident lawyer can review the details of your case and help you go through your legal options and the potential outcomes.
- Maximize your compensation: They can negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries and damages.
- Navigate legal challenges: Your lawyer can handle complex legal procedures and documentation, letting you prioritize your recovery.
- Remove stress: Car accidents are stressful situations. You need to focus on your recovery, and you should not be forced to deal with insurance adjusters. Let us take this stress away from you.
- Maximize the value of your claim: We have plenty of experience with countless car accidents. We know what a fair settlement for your car wreck looks like. Do not settle for anything less than what your claim is worth.
Contact Our Oklahoma Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Consultation
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Oklahoma City, it’s important to act quickly and wisely. Contact Hasbrook & Hasbrook for help. Our experienced car accident lawyers are ready to help you navigate the aftermath of your accident and fight for the compensation you deserve. We will closely examine your injury claim and position it for success.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.