What to Do After a Car Accident
Those early moments in the aftermath of a car accident are traumatic and confusing. You may be dealing with painful physical injuries at the same time that people are questioning you. It’s difficult to know what to do while you wait for help. The Oklahoma City accident attorneys at Dan Davis Law have years of experience dealing with accident victims who wish they’d known how to protect themselves at the scene of the accident and the following days to help secure their accident claim.
Knowing the right steps to take can help you deal with an accident with a clear head. Let our experienced attorneys help you learn how to protect yourself after a car accident.
Report the Accident
Immediately after an accident you should call 911 and report what happened if you are physically well enough to do so. Move away from your vehicle and onto the shoulder of the road. If you’re able to walk without increasing your injuries, render any necessary aid or comfort to other victims within your ability as you wait for first responders.
Collect Information
If you’re feeling well enough, use your phone to take photos of the other vehicle(s) involved as well as photos of the scene of the accident. Be sure to include any other objects involved, such as traffic lights, stop signs, or unavoidable obstacles. Collect the following information:
- Names and contact information of any other drivers involved
- Insurance information of other involved drivers
- Contact information of any eyewitnesses to the accident
- Collect the information of officers who arrive on the scene such as the name of their department
- Ask for a copy of the police report
If you are too injured to collect information yourself, you can ask any helpful witness to gather the information for you using your phone. You may even record witness statements using your phone’s video camera.
Be sure to talk to the police about what you recall of the circumstances leading up to the accident, but do not admit fault.
Seek Medical Care as Soon as Possible
Let the paramedics evaluate your medical condition and ask for emergency transport to a hospital if you’re experiencing pain or any other symptoms. If you aren’t transported to an emergency room, seek medical treatment within 24 hours of your accident.
Have your doctor do a thorough evaluation and then remember the following:
- Ask your doctor to keep detailed notes about your condition and any necessary treatment
- Follow up on all recommended treatments, procedures, and follow-ups. Fill every prescription and keep receipts
- Keep all medical bills and ask for itemized lists of expenses. Ask for information about upcoming medical expenses related to your accident such as surgeries and rehabilitation
- If you’re experiencing symptoms of trauma or PTSD, seek help from a qualified therapist
By carefully documenting your medical treatment you’ll increase your chances of getting the maximum amount of compensation for your injury.
Call Your Insurance Company and Your Lawyer
Most insurance providers require you to report your accident, even if you weren’t at fault. Your claims adjuster will read the police report to decide on fault and contact the insurance provider of the at-fault driver.
Call the Oklahoma City injury attorneys at Dan Davis Law so we can evaluate your case and file your claim for full compensation.
Document Your Damages
Besides your injuries, you’re likely to have sustained damage to your vehicle. Carefully document any estimates, repair costs, or vehicle replacement costs.
In the weeks following your accident, keep a detailed journal of your pain, medical treatment, and any therapies or rehabilitation required for your recovery.
Call Dan Davis Law Today
If you’ve had a car accident, contact Dan Davis Law today for the skilled representation you need to ensure you gain the maximum compensation and damages from your claim. With over 30 years of experience and over 400 million in recovered damages, we will use our years of experience and resources to advocate aggressively for your case.