If you’re struggling to figure out what to do after a car accident, don’t panic – Indianapolis car accident lawyers can walk you through the process of recovering. Our team knows how to work with insurance companies to make your voice heard, connect you with experienced medical professionals, and navigate the legal system.
Your auto accident recovery will have multiple stages, from your efforts to address your health to undergoing the claims process. If you want help staying on top of all of your responsibilities, you can ask our team to step in and guide you through the process.
Let’s break down your accident checklist and make sure you’re on the right track to retake control of your life.
Essential Steps to Take After a Car Accident
A car accident can happen suddenly and unexpectedly. Within seconds, vehicles are damaged, and people are hurt. Many people aren’t sure what to do next. But the Indianapolis car accident attorneys know that there are steps you can take after a crash to protect your safety and your rights:
1. Call Emergency Responders
You should call emergency responders, including police officers, even if you feel like you’ve only been in a minor car accident. You have a legal obligation to report your accident to the police – and responders can create a police report that goes into detail about your losses. You can later use that report to fight for accident damages.
The official accident report relevant to your accident should go into detail about a negligent driver’s behavior at the time of a collision. Officers can provide their opinions on whether or not a driver was under the influence of alcohol, speeding, distracted, or otherwise engaging in illegal activities.
While an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer can’t help you initiate a criminal investigation into an at-fault driver’s behavior, that official accident report can become evidence you use to argue for compensation when presenting information about your accident to an insurance company or judge.
2. Seek Emergency Medical Attention
Emergency responders can help you get the emergency medical attention you need if you’re seriously injured in a collision. You should not remain at an accident scene if you need a doctor’s attention. You can have someone you trust call a personal injury attorney to begin an investigation into your losses while you get the care you need.
Even if you’re not seriously injured, our lawyers recommend that you meet with your general practitioner and even a dentist following a collision. Early medical care can help you stay one step ahead of any slow-onset conditions like whiplash.
Make sure you keep track of all of the records relevant to your post-accident care. Insurance companies often want as much information about your accident expenses as you can give them. Your diligence may make it harder for insurance claims adjusters to argue against your right to accident support.
3. Gather Contact Information
If it’s safe for you to remain at an accident scene, you can use your time to gather contact information from bystanders and a liable party. However, do not try to chase anyone who flees from an accident scene. Police officers have the authority to arrest someone after a hit-and-run, whereas you do not.
So long as everyone stays at the scene of an accident, you can record their:
- Full name
- Address
- Phone number
- Email address
- The make, model, and license plate number of the car involved in your accident
If it’s safe to speak with an at-fault driver, you should also ask for their insurance information, including the name of their provider and their insurance policy number.
4. Take Photos
While a police report will go into some detail about the nature of your accident scene and the damage you sustained, it’s in your best interest to take photos of a scene so long as it‘s safe to do so. Do not stay at an accident scene if it’s actively dangerous or if you need medical attention.
So long as you can safely remain at the scene, you can get pictures of vehicle damage, license plate numbers, environmental damage, and liable driver’s insurance cards.
You can also take photos of relevant environmental conditions, including the weather, road conditions, relevant traffic signs, or even a nearby construction crew.
5. Write Down Your Account of the Accident
A photo is worth a thousand words, but it’s also in your best interest to create a written record of the losses you sustained after an accident. Once you’re in a safe environment, you can take time to write down what you remember from the collision.
The more details you can include in a report, the easier it’ll be to discuss your accident with police officers, insurance claims adjusters, and attorneys.
You can alternatively use your phone to make an audio recording. Make sure you make your recording in a quiet area.
Your Case Will Get
The Attention It Deserves
When Should You Call Your Insurance Company?
You have the right to call your insurance company immediately following a collision, be it a major or minor accident. However, we recommend that accident victims wait until they have an attorney working for them to make an accident claim.
Insurance claims adjusters want to do everything in their power to deny you the financial support you deserve after a collision. They can use your post-accident stress against you and may request statements that you‘re not required to give them.
It’s still worth it for you to file an insurance claim after an accident, but you need to protect yourself while you do. Fortunately, our experienced car accident attorneys make it considerably easier for you to figure out what to do after a car accident and how to make an insurance company take your losses seriously.
When Should You Call an Experienced Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyer?
Talk to an attorney as soon as possible following your accident. An attorney can advise you of your rights and explain all your options. An attorney can also help you determine the total damages you suffered and help you recover financial compensation.
Our law firm has been helping the injured in Indiana since 1913. We know the impact a car accident can have on you and your family. We know how to build a strong case that helps you get the compensation you need and deserve, whether through a negotiated settlement or a jury verdict.
What Compensation to Expect from a Motor Vehicle Accident Claim
Major and minor car accidents can leave you with dozens of expenses you can’t afford. Fortunately, personal injury lawsuits often allow you to recover more damages than you would if you strictly filed an insurance claim.
When you hold a negligent driver responsible for your losses, you have the right to request support based on your:
- Vehicular repair costs
- Additional property damage
- Emergency medical care
- Upcoming surgeries and stabilizing treatments
- Medical treatment costs
- Pain management
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Pain and suffering
If you lose a loved one in a fatal automobile accident, you can additionally ask for support based on your family’s lost income, funeral expenses, and the emotional cost of that loss. Our experienced car accident attorneys in Indianapolis can represent you throughout conversations with an at-fault driver.
Don’t Let Other People Take Away Your Right to Recover from a Traffic Accident
Car accidents can have a long-lasting impact on your quality of life. Don’t let someone else’s negligence drain your savings. You have the right to secure legal representation after a collision.
A personal injury lawyer with our team can walk you through what to do after a car accident, starting with the insurance claim process and negotiating for a settlement on your behalf to fight for support in civil court.
You deserve compensation for major accident injuries. Let our car accident attorneys in Indianapolis support you throughout your fight today.
