What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident

Legally Reviewed and Edited by: Terry Cochran

The seconds after a car accident can be very overwhelming. In the silence after the impact, you feel your heart racing, and your mind starts scrambling. Not only are you assessing the situation, but you likely feel uncertain about knowing where to start. Keep in mind that the actions you take in those first few minutes can protect your health, your legal rights, and your financial future.

At Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C., we’ve guided countless Michigan families through serious accidents and injury cases. We know that being prepared makes all the difference, and our team is here to help every step of the way.

Your Safety Comes First

The first thing you need to do is stop your vehicle in the safest location available. Turn on your hazard lights immediately to alert other drivers. If your car is blocking traffic and you can move it safely, then always pull off to the shoulder of the road.

Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Even if everyone feels fine, it’s possible that adrenaline is masking pain and symptoms. Keep in mind that some injuries, such as concussions or whiplash, don’t show up right away.

Always call 911 immediately, especially if someone is hurt. If anyone might have a spinal injury, then it’s best not to move them unless there’s immediate danger.

Call the Police Right Away

In Michigan, the law requires that you report accidents involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. Even if it seems minor, we recommend calling the police for any car accident.

The officer who responds to the accident will create an official accident report to document the scene, weather conditions, and witness statements. If you decide to file an insurance claim later, then this report becomes crucial evidence to help with your settlement and claim.

Never skip calling the authorities because you assume the other driver will “handle everything.” We’ve seen too many situations where clients were burned because informal, handshake agreements fell apart, and the other party failed to deliver on their promises.

Document Everything at the Scene

Take photos of vehicle damage from multiple angles, and capture other details of the accident scene, such as street signs, traffic signals, and road conditions. If there are skid marks or debris, take pictures of those, too.

Make sure that you exchange information with all drivers involved. Write down their full name, phone number, insurance company, policy number, driver’s license number, and license plate. Take photos of these documents so that you can share the information with your attorney and insurance provider.

If there were any witnesses, then ask for their contact information. These independent witnesses can provide valuable testimony if there’s a dispute about how the car accident happened.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, you should always visit a doctor or emergency room. Some injuries, like concussions, whiplash, and internal bleeding, don’t cause immediate pain or symptoms. Brain injuries from crashes can have delayed symptoms that appear days later. So, it’s important to be working with a medical team from the beginning.

Keep detailed records of all medical treatments that you receive for the accident-related injuries. For example, you need documentation about emergency room visits, follow-up appointments, physical therapy, and more.

You need to follow your doctor’s treatment plan to show that you are doing your part to recover. If the insurance company finds gaps in treatment, then they might argue that your injuries weren’t serious.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Most policies require notification within 24-48 hours. Be honest about what happened, but stick to the basic facts and consult with an attorney about what you should share.

One of the biggest mistakes that you can make is accepting blame or speculating about who was at fault. Simply describe what you observed and experienced, and keep it basic.

Remember that insurance adjusters are working to protect the financial interests of their company, which means they are not the best advocates for your rights. They’re trained to minimize payouts, which is why you need your own legal representation.

Protect Your Legal Rights

Always speak to your lawyer first before giving recorded statements to the other driver’s insurance company. These companies often use your words against you later, but your legal team can advise you on the best way to avoid these issues.

Remember that settlement offers that come quickly after a car accident are usually much lower than what your case is actually worth. Don’t sign anything before consulting with an attorney who can help you determine how much your case is actually worth.

When to Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

You should speak with an attorney if anyone was injured, if you’re dealing with property damage, or if the other driver was uninsured. It can also be helpful to have legal expertise for complex cases involving multiple vehicles or commercial trucks.

At Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C., we handle car accident cases throughout Michigan on a contingency fee basis. This means that you never need to pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t leave the scene too early. You should always stay until the police arrive and complete their report.
• Don’t admit fault or say “I’m sorry” even if you’re trying to be polite.
• Avoid posting about the accident on social media. Insurance companies monitor accounts and look for posts that contradict your injury claims.
• Don’t delay seeking medical treatment or legal advice. Michigan’s no-fault insurance system has strict deadlines that need to be followed.

We Fight for Your Recovery

Car accidents can change your life in an instant. Medical bills pile up, you miss work, and you’re dealing with pain and stress you never expected.

Our compassionate legal team at Cochran, Kroll & Associates, P.C. understands what you’re going through. We fight for the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Contact us today for a free consultation. Call our law firm at 1-866-MICH-LAW  to speak with our experienced personal injury attorneys about your case.

Disclaimer : The information provided is general and not for legal advice. The blogs are not intended to provide legal counsel and no attorney-client relationship is created nor intended.