What to Do After a Motor Vehicle Accident

When you are in a motor vehicle accident, the moments immediately following the incident are critical. Your actions can ensure your safety and considerably impact the outcome of any future claims or legal actions.

Davidoff Law is here to guide you through the critical steps after an accident, helping protect your legal rights and well-being. Understanding what to do can help reduce the stress of the situation and prepare you for the next steps.

Stay calm and focused, even though this may be challenging. Gathering your thoughts helps you to handle the situation more efficiently.

By staying composed, you can better assess the scene, communicate clearly with emergency services, and ensure that all needed actions are taken to support future legal claims.

Start By Gathering Your Thoughts

First, take a deep breath and try to stay calm. Assess the situation without panicking. Maintaining mental composure will help you make clear and thoughtful decisions about the next steps.

Remaining calm also aids in accurately assessing the severity of the accident, which is needed for emergency responses and later reporting.

Then, Check Yourself for Injuries

Before you do anything else, check yourself for any injuries. It's critical to figure out the extent of your injuries, as shock can often mask pain initially. If you're able, slowly and carefully move your limbs to ensure no severe injuries. If you find you are seriously hurt, try to remain still and wait for EMS to arrive.

Sometimes, injuries aren't immediately apparent after car accidents. Internal injuries can be difficult to detect and dangerous. That's why it's vital to undergo a comprehensive medical examination as soon as possible after the crash. Even if you feel alright, there might be underlying injuries that only a doctor can diagnose.

Ensure You Are In a Safe Location

If it's safe, move to a secure location away from traffic. This might mean staying inside your car if moving it is unsafe. If your vehicle is causing a hazard or if it's safe to move, try to relocate it to the side of the road. Ensuring your immediate safety can prevent further accidents and injuries.

Call for Emergency Services and First Responders

Call 911 immediately if the accident involves serious injuries or major road blockages. Reporting the accident to emergency services is vital; they will send the necessary medical and police support. This ensures everyone's safety and officially documents the incident, which is essential for legal and insurance purposes.

Swap Information With Witnesses and Other Parties Involved

Exchange contact and insurance information with the other motorist involved in the collision. Be sure to ask for their name, phone number, address, driver's license number, license plate number, and insurance policy information. Collecting contact information from witnesses is also wise, as their statements can be invaluable later.

Don't discuss fault with the other driver or witnesses; keep the conversation factual and straightforward. This information exchange is critical for the insurance claim process and potential legal action. Remember, anything you say at the scene can be used in legal proceedings, so speaking carefully is important.

Snap Pictures of the Scene, Vehicles, and Injuries

Document the scene of the accident thoroughly. Use your smartphone to take photos from different angles, showing the overall context of the accident and close-ups of the damage to all vehicles involved. Also, photograph any visible injuries you or any passengers have sustained.

Photographic evidence plays a major role in insurance claims and legal cases, as it helps establish the facts of the accident. Such documentation can notably influence the outcome of your insurance claim and any potential lawsuits.

Ensure to capture traffic signs, road conditions, and any obstacles or debris that could have contributed to the crash.

See a Doctor, Even if You Feel Fine

Seek medical attention immediately after the accident, even if you feel uninjured. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent. A doctor can complete a full evaluation and provide documentation, which is crucial for medical and legal records.

Follow up with any prescribed treatments and preserve records of all doctor visits, treatments, and expenses. These medical records are vital for substantiating any insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits tied to the accident.

Call a Car Accident Lawyer for Representation

Call a car accident lawyer who has experience with motor vehicle accidents. Davidoff Law offers expert legal representation and can advise you on the best steps to take following your accident. A lawyer will protect your rights and work to secure the compensation you deserve.

Our law firm can walk you through the details of filing an insurance or car accident claim. We know the nuances of accident law and can work through the claims process efficiently and effectively on your behalf.

Get a Copy of the Police Report

Request a copy of the police report once it's available. The report contains an officer's assessment of the accident and often includes a determination of fault, which is critical for insurance and legal purposes. This document is a key piece of evidence in any car accident claim.

The police report can be obtained from the local law enforcement agency that handled the collision. This report will detail the conditions of the crash, include statements from involved parties and witnesses, and may include the responding officer's observations and conclusions about the accident.

Inform Your Insurance Company About the Accident

Notify your insurance company about the collision as soon as possible. Be honest and give them accurate information about the incident. However, be cautious about discussing faults or details that might be interpreted against you.

Having your car accident lawyer handle communication with your insurance company is beneficial. They can handle negotiations and ensure your statements are appropriately framed to protect your interests.

Let Your Lawyer Handle Your Case

Following a motor vehicle accident, you must focus on your medical recovery. Therefore, you should let your lawyer handle the administrative details of your car crash. A few ways your lawyer can advocate for you include:

Negotiating With Insurance

Your car accident lawyer will handle negotiations with your insurance company and the other driver's insurance company. Experienced lawyers know how to direct these discussions to ensure you receive a fair settlement that covers all your damages, including medical bills, property damage, and any lost wages.

Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit

Your lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit to seek additional compensation if necessary. This step is taken if the insurance negotiations do not result in a satisfactory settlement. Your lawyer will prepare all the necessary documentation and represent you in court.

Helping You Recover a Fair Settlement

The ultimate goal of hiring a car accident lawyer is to recover a fair settlement that compensates for all your expenses and losses. Your lawyer will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation possible, considering all aspects of your case, including the long-term effects of the accident.

The Top Reasons You Need a Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer

• Legal expertise. Car accident lawyers know the legalities involved in your case and can guide you through the court system.
• Maximizing your compensation. Lawyers are skilled in negotiating settlements and will work to get you the highest possible compensation.
• Handling paperwork and deadlines. Legal claims involve complex paperwork and strict deadlines, which your lawyer will manage.
• No upfront costs. Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case.
• Stress reduction. A lawyer can relieve the burden of the legal process, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
• Investigative resources. Lawyers have access to resources like accident reconstruction experts, which can help strengthen your case.
• Trial readiness. If your case goes to trial, having an experienced lawyer is essential for a successful outcome. We ensure our clients are well-prepared for success.

Contact Our Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Consultation

If you've been involved in a car crash, don't hesitate to contact Davidoff Law for professional legal assistance. We offer a free consultation, allowing you to discuss your case without financial obligation.

We are dedicated to helping you overcome the aftermath of your accident. We know how to review the auto accident report and negotiate with the insurance adjuster on your behalf.

Always seek medical assistance first. Then, contact us for a free consultation to discuss your personal injury claim. We can help you recover compensation for medical bills and other accident-related expenses.