Dos and Don’ts After a Car Accident

Car accidents are a frightening reality that can happen to anyone at any time. While we all hope to never find ourselves in such a situation, being prepared is half the battle won. Knowing the dos and don’ts after a car accident can greatly affect your physical, emotional, and financial recovery.

Let’s dive in and arm ourselves with the knowledge that can turn a moment of crisis into an opportunity for growth.

What to Do Immediately After the Accident

Call 911 Right Away

In the immediate aftermath of an accident, adrenaline and shock might mask the severity of your injuries. You may think you’re fine, but some injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, don’t show immediate symptoms. That’s why calling 911 isn’t just a precaution; it’s a necessity. It allows medical professionals to evaluate you and for law enforcement to properly document the scene with a police report.

Step-by-Step Guide to Calling 911

1. Check Your Surroundings. Before making the call, you should be out of the way of oncoming traffic and in a safe location away from any danger.
2. Dial 911. Dial 911 and give them your exact location, the number of vehicles involved, and a brief description of the injuries and anything else you can see.
3. Follow Instructions. Listen carefully to the dispatcher to obtain first-aid guidance over the phone.

Tip: Always keep your phone fully charged when driving. A portable charger could be a lifesaver in extreme situations, as you never know when you’ll need to make this critical call.

Secure the Scene

If you’re in a minor fender-bender, you might think it’s not a big deal to leave your car where it is, but that can obstruct traffic and potentially lead to more accidents. To prevent this, move your car to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights. This will also make it easier for emergency services to reach you and other people who need help.

Tip: Before you move your car, snap some photos or videos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. If you decide to file an insurance claim and pursue a personal injury lawsuit, this can act as proof to support your side of the story.

Gather Information

In addition to other driver’s name and insurance information, also take note of the make and model of the car. Get the home address, phone number, and license plate number of the negligent party. If there are witnesses, their accounts can be of great value, so get their contact information and a brief statement of what they saw.

Tip: Have a notepad and pen readily available in your car to quickly write down important information, or you can use your phone to record verbal statements.

What Not to Do After a Car Accident

Don’t Neglect Medical Treatment

When you’re involved in a car accident, your first instinct might be to assess your own condition. You might think, “I am OK; maybe I don’t need medical attention.” This is a common misconception that can have serious repercussions down the line.

That being said, if you’re thinking you can skip the medical check-up because you feel fine, think again. Some internal injuries may not manifest symptoms immediately. A full medical check-up can catch these before they become more severe or fatal.

Don’t wait to get checked out by a doctor and do the following:

1. Go to the Nearest Emergency Room or Urgent Care Center. Don’t waste time. The quicker you get medical attention, the better it is for both your health and any future litigation or insurance claims.
2. Adhere to the Treatment Plan. Once you’ve been examined, doctors will likely provide a treatment plan. Stick to it. Ignoring medical advice can’t only put your health at risk but also weaken your legal case.
3. Get Medical Documentation. Your medical provider will also provide you with documentation of your condition. This document is essential evidence should you decide to take legal action following a car accident or when dealing with insurance companies.

Tip: Did you know that a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can manifest symptoms within a span of 15 minutes to 3 months? Moreover, conditions such as hemorrhagic shock and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) may not manifest symptoms right away, yet have the potential to become deadly. As such, it is imperative that you immediately seek medical evaluation and treatment.

Don’t Speak Without Preparation

When you’ve been in a car accident, you may want to quickly explain what happened, especially to insurance companies. But this could be a big mistake. Insurance companies can take your words and twist them to minimize liability and avoid paying you the settlement you deserve. For example, saying something as simple as “I’m feeling fine” can later be used against you to argue that you weren’t seriously injured.

Instead, consider speaking with a personal injury lawyer ASAP. An attorney can help you craft a statement that accurately reflects the facts of the situation without jeopardizing your case. Legal representation can also advise you on what to say and what not to say in order to protect yourself from any potential misinterpretation that could lead to settling your case for less than what it is worth.

Tip: Keep a detailed log of all communications, medical appointments, and expenses related to the accident. This record-keeping can be invaluable when negotiating with insurance companies or presenting your case in court.

Don’t Wait for the Insurance Company

Many people mistakenly believe that their responsibilities are over once they file an insurance claim, and all that is left to do is wait patiently. But insurance companies are not on your side; their main goal is to pay out as little as possible. If you settle too quickly, you might find yourself with insufficient funds to cover future medical treatments, rehabilitation, or lost wages if your condition worsens. What follows is major financial strain that will force you to cover expenses out-of-pocket.

Tip: Seek advice from your lawyer before agreeing to any proposed settlements. He or she can guide you through legal proceedings so that you receive compensation for both your present and future needs. Always prioritize your long-term well-being over quick cash.

In Summary: You’ve Got This

Getting through the aftermath of a car accident is undeniably difficult for many. From the moment the accident happens to the final settlement, each step you take can in fact influence your recovery—physically, emotionally, and financially. 

Remember, the first few minutes after an accident are extremely important. Call 911 and make the scene safe. Take care of your health and keep all medical records. Insurance companies may not be on your side, so collect evidence and talk to a lawyer to fight for a fair settlement.

Life may be unpredictable, but your actions in the wake of an auto accident don’t have to be. At the end of the day, you are not simply a victim, but a survivor who takes intelligent steps.

Pre-Settlement Funding Support for Car Accident Victims

Waiting for a settlement can indeed put a strain on your wallet. The good news is you don’t have to go through it alone. Baker Street Legal Funding specializes in non-recourse car accident lawsuit loans that offer much-needed cash in a time of need.

Unlike traditional loans, all our lawsuit loans are non-recourse. That means that we do not hold you personally liable for repayment if your case is lost. You can use your funds to cover your medical bills, living costs, rent, mortgage or anything else that needs attention. What’s more, our interest rates begin at a low 2.95% per month, without compounding.

Ready to get funding for your car accident case? Support is just a call (888) 711-3599 or a click away. Baker Street Funding is committed to giving you the financial relief you need to regain control today. Apply for pre-settlement funding.