Posted on Mar 09, 2023

Car accidents can be devastating and often leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Whether you are involved in a minor fender bender or a serious collision, taking the right steps after the accident can help protect your legal rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

At Right Side Law, LLC, we have seen firsthand the impact that car accidents can have on our clients' lives. That's why we've put together this guide to help you understand what to do after a car accident and how to protect your legal rights in the aftermath of an accident.

Step 1: Check for Injuries and Call 911

The first and most important step after a car accident is to check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately for medical assistance. Even if no one appears to be hurt, it's still a good idea to call the police to report the accident.

Step 2: Exchange Information

After making sure everyone is safe and calling 911, exchange information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. This includes names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance information, and driver's license numbers. If there were any witnesses to the accident, get their contact information as well.

Step 3: Take Photos and Document the Scene

Take photos of the damage to your vehicle and any other vehicles involved in the accident, as well as the surrounding area. This can help provide important evidence if you need to file a claim with your insurance company or pursue legal action. You should also write down any details about the accident, such as the time and location, the weather conditions, and any other relevant information.

Step 4: Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

It's important to report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. This will help ensure that you receive the coverage you are entitled to under your policy. Be sure to provide your insurance company with all the information you gathered at the scene of the accident, including the names and contact information of the other driver(s) and witnesses.

Step 5: Seek Medical Treatment

Even if you don't feel injured immediately after the accident, it's important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as whiplash or soft tissue damage, may not become apparent until hours or even days after the accident. Seeking medical treatment can also help establish a record of your injuries, which can be important if you need to pursue legal action later on.

Step 6: Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

If you have been injured in a car accident due to the negligence or misconduct of another driver, it's important to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options, and can assist you in pursuing the compensation you deserve.

An attorney can also help you deal with insurance companies, negotiate a fair settlement, and, if necessary, represent you in court. Personal injury attorneys typically work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don't have to pay anything upfront and only pay if you win your case.

Car accidents can be traumatic and confusing, but knowing what to do in the aftermath can help protect your legal rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. If you have been injured in a car accident, contact the dedicated personal injury legal team at Right Side Law, LLC at (816)842-6700 or email us at [email protected]. We can help you understand your legal options and work to get you the compensation you need to move forward with your life.