An auto accident can leave your mind swirling with endless questions about what you should do next. Even a simple question like, should I move my car after an accident? can be challenging to answer. No one wants to do anything in those moments following a crash that could weaken a potential personal injury case. It’s hard to know what to do after a car accident that is not your fault, but remembering the following steps can help protect your rights and assist your attorney in your case.
Safely Move Your Car
You may ask yourself, Should I move my car after an accident if it’s blocking traffic? Yes, you should. Unfortunately, secondary accidents are common after initial car collisions, so moving your car out of the path of oncoming traffic helps ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road. Suppose you cannot move your car due to damage or someone seriously injured in the vehicle. In that case, it’s best to stay put until emergency personnel can redirect traffic and assess the situation.
Call 9-1-1
Call 9-1-1 after a crash, even if you believe it to be minor. A reporting law enforcement officer creates an accident report that details valuable and relevant information about the crash that your attorney and insurance companies review. In some situations, a reporting office may even make a preliminary determination of fault. Additionally, a law enforcement officer can decide if anyone involved needs medical attention and can seek immediate assistance from medical personnel to report to the scene.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you believe you escaped from your accident injury-free, it’s vital to seek a medical evaluation anyway. Many injuries, including concussions, soft tissue injuries, and internal bleeding, are not immediately apparent and may begin to show symptoms in the hours, days, or even sometimes weeks after an accident. If another person caused the collision, connecting your injuries to the accident is crucial to securing financial compensation in any potential personal injury lawsuit. Allowing time between your diagnosis and the accident allows insurance adjusters and the liable party to claim that your injuries were not caused by the accident.
Gather Information and Evidence
If you can, gather evidence and information at the accident scene. Valuable evidence includes the following:
- Names, contact information, and insurance information for all parties involved in the collision;
- Names and contact information for any witnesses to the accident;
- Photographs and video of the scene, including damage to your vehicle and your injuries;
- Detailed memorandum of your immediate recollection of the events leading up to, during, and after the accident; and
- Any other relevant information, including the weather, time, and memorable information, may be useful to your attorney.
Your attorney can use this information to build a strong case on your behalf, establishing your damages and the other driver’s liability.
Maintain Records
Keep your records related to your accident organized. Save all copies of invoices, bills, receipts, medical records, and expenses to provide to your attorney. An attorney uses this information to calculate the value of your claim and holds on to the documentation to support your demand. If you cannot work, keep records of your pay stubs and income taxes to show proof of your earnings. Additionally, any journal entries you’ve maintained as you recover from your injuries and the impact the accident has had on your everyday life are helpful to support your demand for non-economic damages.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Even if you were not at fault, report your accident to your insurance company. If any other insurance company calls you to confirm the details of the accident, be sure to include only factual information. Let your attorney speak to insurance companies to ensure the preservation of your rights.
Call an Attorney
An experienced personal injury attorney is there to help you navigate the complex process of what to do after an accident. Even if you did not take all the steps above after your accident, don’t despair. An attorney is ready to assist you in constructing a strong case, ensuring you receive the compensation you need and deserve.
Contact Us
At The Law Offices of Ali Yousefi, P.C., we advocate tirelessly for victims of auto accidents by providing compassionate representation that gets results. Your legal matters are important to us, and we pride ourselves on being able to support clients with a diverse number of problems. We work closely with you so you can make the right decision about your needs and feel comfortable with your choices as we move through the legal process.
Our mission is to zealously represent our client’s interests throughout their legal proceedings while keeping the process as amicable and straightforward as possible. While we attempt to resolve cases without litigation to reduce costs and maximize client returns, we understand this may only sometimes be possible. We are fully prepared and have the experience to litigate your case at trial if necessary.
Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you.
Attorney Ali Yousefi is the founder of Law Offices of Ali Yousefi, P.C., and has distinguished himself as one of the leading lawyers in California. Ali values that his work allows him to make a direct, positive impact on the lives of people who have experienced stressful or traumatic events.
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