The stages of a car accident involve checking to see if others were hurt, getting medical treatment, proving fault, and several other steps. If you’ve been injured in a car wreck caused by another driver, you’re probably worried about not being able to cover your medical bills and other losses, and you’re unsure about what to do next.
At H&P Law, we can answer your questions and provide the information you need to understand the claims process that comes after a collision. Our car accident lawyers in Las Vegas can guide you through your claim and fight for the compensation you need to get back on your feet after a wreck.
Refer to the flowchart below to familiarize yourself with the stages of an accident. It will help guide you in your decision-making process after a crash. That said, there is no substitute for an in-person consultation with an attorney regarding the specific facts of your case. If in doubt, give us a call, and we will gladly provide a free, confidential consultation.
Steps To Take After a Car Accident
In addition to reviewing the stages of a car accident flowchart, there are several other actions you’ll want to take immediately and in the days following a wreck. At H&P Law, our attorneys strongly recommend taking the following steps if you’ve been in a collision:
- Move to a safe location if you can and check yourself and others for injuries.
- Call 911 to report the accident and make sure the police file a report.
- Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver.
- Take photos of the vehicle damage, the crash scene, and any visible injuries you’ve sustained.
- Get contact information from anyone who witnessed the incident.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you feel fine.
- Follow up with your doctor and keep records of all treatments.
- Avoid giving a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company before you’ve hired an attorney.
- Keep copies of all medical bills, repair estimates, and any correspondence related to the accident.
- Contact an experienced car accident attorney ASAP.
Dealing With the Insurance Company After an Accident
When talking about the stages of a car accident, it’s important to consider the role of the insurance company. The other driver’s insurance company is not on your side after a crash. Their goal is to settle your claim for as little as possible, and they’ll use anything you say to do it.
That’s why you should avoid giving a recorded statement or accepting an early settlement offer without speaking to an attorney. Insurance adjusters often reach out quickly after an accident, sometimes within hours. They may sound friendly and concerned on the phone, but they’re trained to get you to say things that reduce the value of your claim.
Even a simple statement like “I’m feeling okay” can be used to argue that your injuries aren’t serious. Having an attorney communicate with the insurance company protects you from making mistakes or saying things that hurt your claim. At H&P Law, we know what your claim is actually worth, and we won’t let the insurance company pressure you into a low settlement.
Mistakes to Avoid After an Accident
Understanding the stages of a car accident and knowing what to do after a wreck is important. That said, knowing what not to do after an accident can be just as helpful. We strongly caution against making the following mistakes after a car crash:
- Apologizing at the scene: Saying “I’m sorry” to the other driver can be interpreted as admitting fault, even if you are just being polite.
- Waiting too long to see a doctor: Gaps in your medical treatment after a crash make it harder to prove that your injuries were caused by the accident.
- Posting about the accident on social media: Insurance companies monitor your accounts and will use photos and posts against you.
- Assuming minor pain will go away on its own: Some injuries like whiplash or soft tissue damage don’t show symptoms right away but can get worse over time, so it’s important to seek care right away.
- Handling your claim alone: Without legal representation, you’re more likely to undervalue your case or miss deadlines that hurt your case and your recovery.
How a Lawyer Can Help You After a Car Accident
An attorney can handle every step of the claims process for you after a wreck, giving you the time you need to focus on attending medical appointments and recovering from your injuries. Here’s how an attorney can guide you through the stages of a car accident case and pursue the compensation you deserve:
- Conduct a thorough investigation of the crash and gather important evidence
- Use police reports, accident reconstructionist statements, witness testimony, medical records, photographs, and surveillance footage to build your claim
- Prove that the at-fault party should be held responsible for your injuries and losses
- Communicate with insurers and other involved parties on your behalf
- Negotiate a settlement that covers all your losses
- Meet important deadlines and filing requirements
- Take your case to trial if insurers fail to offer what you’re owed
- Handle your case on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe nothing unless compensation is recovered
- Keep you updated throughout the claims process and answer any questions you have
While understanding the stages of a car accident can help your case after a crash, hiring an attorney is the best thing you can do to strengthen your position. A lawyer from H&P Law will see your case through from start to finish, working tirelessly to fight for the justice and damages you need to move forward.
Learn More About the Stages of a Car Accident
Getting your life back on track after a car crash can be incredibly challenging, especially if you’re dealing with injuries that get in the way of your career and the things you enjoy. At H&P Law, we understand how difficult times like these can be, which is why we’re here to help you seek compensation for your pain, suffering, and financial losses.
We have over 60 years of combined experience handling personal injury claims and have recovered $100 million-plus in damages for accident victims. Schedule a free consultation with us today to discuss the stages of a car accident and find out if you have grounds for a claim.
