Steps to Take Following an Accident

Mar 28, 2022

Safety and medical attention should be your first priority in the event of any type of accident (an injury at work, a car crash, a medical incident, or any other event). Eventually, after your initial injuries are addressed, you will likely start wondering about your legal rights and whether you can seek compensation for your injuries. This is when you should consult with an Indiana personal injury lawyer.

Always Call 9-1-1 First

It is often recommended to call 9-1-1, as you might not realize how injured you are. Let the dispatcher be the one to tell you that you don’t need a first responder (or let the first responder who shows up be the one to determine everyone is fine). Remember, there are numerous injuries that are not obvious right after an accident. Let the medical experts decide who should get further treatment.

Get the Necessary Medical Treatment

Be sure to follow up with the treatments or recommendations of the medical staff that examine you. Whiplash is a great example of an injury that we see underestimated often. After being rear-ended, your neck might only feel sore, and you might never imagine that you need physical therapy. If a doctor recommends that you attend therapy, however, you should follow these instructions. The professionals know best about how to best resolve your injuries.

Document Everything

Even today, with security cameras everywhere, there are still many injuries and accidents that are not caught on camera. Again, calling 9-1-1 helps establish the accident timeline and ensure there will be an accident report. Take pictures and videos of the area, people, and anything else that may be relevant. Sending text messages and making phone calls after the accident can also help show your state of mind and preserve the timeline.

Protect the Accident Scene

If you were involved in an accident, first responders (like police and the fire department) might work to preserve evidence and investigate the cause or other relevant details. Still, you should document everything! Don’t assume another driver, employee, neighbor, or whoever else won’t turn around and sue you despite having a different attitude at the scene of the accident.

When to Call a Personal Injury Lawyer

Do you think that someone else caused your accident? Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean that the claim process will be a simple one. It’s not hard for people with little experience with insurance settlements or the claim process to be exploited by other parties. We always recommend contacting a personal injury lawyer as soon as you can following an accident, even if you are unsure whether you have a valid claim. It never hurts to get some legal advice, and consultations are free with no obligation.

Dyer Personal Injury Lawyers Ready to Help

If you’ve been in an accident, don’t miss out on getting the maximum benefits you are due. Our legal team can review your situation and advise you of your options. Contact the Indiana personal injury attorneys at Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock today.