What Should You Do Immediately After A Car Accident? Five Must-Know Steps

Below is a transcript of our latest video from Attorney Kyle Melling:

Hi there folks. I’m attorney Kyle Melling with the law firm Lowe Scott Fisher. If you’ve just been in a car accident, I need you to stop and watch this video. It’s crucial. Here are five critical steps that you need to take right away.

First, most importantly, always ensure safety.

Move your vehicle over to a safe area and check and see if anyone is severely injured or in any further danger. Accident scenes are scary and they can be dangerous.

Next, call 911.

Even for what appears to be a minor accident at the onset. It is important to get emergency personnel there right away. Not only because they can block and direct traffic to make sure there aren’t any secondary accidents, but they also will make an official report of what just happened.

Third, if you are able – document your own scene.

There is no better evidence in a motor vehicle accident than photos and videos that are taken at the scene of the accident. When I investigate accidents, the first thing I do is I check to see if there are body camera footage. If there are security camera footage, or if any of the involved vehicles had a dash camera installed. If you’re able to take photos and videos of the immediate aftermath, that can be very helpful in the future when looking to resolve your case.

Next, make sure you thoroughly exchange information with all the other involved drivers if you’re able.

You don’t want to wait on a police report if you don’t have to, because many times police reports can take days or even weeks to be released depending on the size and severity of an accident. By obtaining the contact and insurance information of everyone involved, this will help your accident claim move along quickly.

Next, make sure you seek medical attention.

Many people in the immediate aftermath of an accident have substantial adrenaline pumping, and the excitement of what just happened can mask their injuries. They then make the mistake of turning down medical attention, or telling EMS or police personnel that they are fine, only to discover later that they do, in fact, have substantial injuries. It’s always important to get checked out by medical professionals. Additionally, if you wake up the next day in significant pain, you absolutely must follow up with a doctor. Whether this be your primary care provider or any kind of specialist as needed.

Following these steps can really make sure that any claim that you have against other drivers and insurance carriers that much stronger.

Finally, above all else, it’s my strongest advice that you seek legal counsel after a car accident.

Attorneys like those of us at Lowe Scott Fisher. We are ready and willing to provide free initial consultations. And if we agree to take your case, we’ll explain this to you. But we provide our representation on a contingency fee basis.

If you need guidance through this stressful time for either you or a loved one, we’re here to help. Give us a call at Lowe Scott Fisher today for a free case evaluation.

Thanks for your time. And stay safe out there.

Contact Lowe Scott Fisher today at 216-781-2600 or submit your info on our website so a member of our team can help you with your case.