Top 5 Things to Do After An Accident
A car accident can happen in seconds, but the decisions you make immediately afterward can affect your health, your finances, and your legal rights for months or even years. If you’ve been involved in a crash, knowing what to do first can help protect you physically and legally.
Below are the first five things you should do after a car accident, especially if you may need the help of a personal injury lawyer.
- Make Sure Everyone Is Safe and Call 911
Safety is the most important. Check everyone who was involved in the accident. If anyone appears injured, immediately call 911.
It’s important to have police and medical personnel document the accident. This documentation may become important evidence if you pursue a personal injury claim later.
2. Seek Medical Attention Right Away
Some injuries from car accidents do not show symptoms immediately. Conditions such as whiplash, internal injuries, or concussions may take hours or even days to become noticeable. Immediately after an accident, the adrenaline is going through your body and you may not even know that you have been injured.
Getting medical attention right away ensures are getting the treatment that is necessary as well and having a medical record of any injuries that are related to the accident.
3. Gather Information From the Scene
If you are physically able, gather as much information as possible at the accident scene. This can become valuable later. It is very important to take pictures. Take photos such as the skid marks and road conditions. Also, take photos of the vehicles from multiple angles, debris that is on the ground, as well as photos of the general area. More photos the better.
Take the information for the other party. This would include name, phone number and insurance information,
You also want to get information from anyone who was a witness to accident. Get their name and telephone number.
4. Don’t Admit Anything or Discussing the Accident
After an accident, avoid admitting fault or making statements about blame.
Even a simple apology could later be used by insurance companies to argue that you were responsible for the accident.
When speaking with the other driver, police officers, or insurance representatives, stick to basic facts only.
5. Contact McShane & Brady
Before speaking with insurance companies or taking an offer from them, it is always in your best interest to talk with a personal injury attorney.
Our experienced team of Kansas City personal injury attorneys know how deal with insurance companies. We will help you gather all the information necessary to make an accurate value of your case.
Statistics show that personal injury settlements are generally 3.5 to 5 times higher with a lawyer. Insurance companies take claims more seriously when a lawyer is involved. Insurance companies don’t want to go to trial.
Insurance companies frequently try to settle claims quickly and for less than they may be worth. A personal injury lawyer can help ensure your rights are protected and that you are not pressured into accepting an unfair offer.
Take Action Before It’s Too Late
If you have been injured, time matters. Contact McShane & Brady, LLC today to speak with a personal injury attorney who will fight for you the compensation you deserve.
📞 Call us at (816) 888-8010
🌐 Visit mcshanebradylaw.com