5 Legal Steps to Take After an Accident

When you’re involved in a car accident or workplace injury, the trauma that follows can derail your life. Aside from the physical injuries, like broken bones or chronic pain, there’s the added stress of handling the financial fallout.

After all, you may lose a vehicle or find yourself sidelined from work. That’s why knowing the right legal steps can help you regain your footing more quickly and get the compensation you deserve. Keep reading to discover five crucial actions to ensure you’re covered after an accident.

1. Track Everything Right Away

After an accident, be ready to document everything about what happened. And even if you just feel shaken up, know that there may be injuries lurking beneath the surface that you should get medical attention to evaluate. In doing so, plan on gathering documentation from those sources to have ready for your legal team, as well.

Medical documents can serve as critical evidence if you’re planning on seeking legal action to cover medical expenses or lost wages. Documents may include:

• X-rays and scans
• Reports from doctors
• Treatment plans for chronic pain
• Receipts for medical visits or medications

When you keep detailed records, you’ll be better prepared to support legal claims related to your injury. Insurance companies will expect it if you’re pursuing negotiations or lawsuits.

2. Collect Evidence

You’ll be tired and possibly in pain after an accident. But you’ll need to summon the strength to gather evidence at the scene to bolster your legal case. Take pictures of damage and the surrounding environment. Jot down the names and contact information of individuals who could be witnesses.

Even more specifically, do the following tasks to avoid being an unprepared victim:

• Take photos or videos of property damage, skid marks, and weather conditions that may have contributed to the accident
• Document any visible injuries
• Collect contact information for witnesses
• Exchange insurance and contact information with the other parties involved

Though time-consuming, creating a portfolio of evidence is vital if the other party disputes liability. Good evidence can protect you from being blamed and penalized for damages you didn’t cause.

3. File a Police Report

Were you in a car or motorcycle accident where another party was involved? Then you’ll need to file a police report. Insurance companies will want an official report to process claims and validate your case.

Check that the police report includes accurate information. Identify the date, time, location, and any parties involved, and ask for a copy of the report. This document is an objective account of what happened that your legal team will want to review.

Not every accident involves vehicles, however. For workplace accidents, report the incident to your employer first. You’ll want to position yourself for workers’ compensation benefits, but failing to communicate within the timeframe required by your employer could mean you don’t get those benefits.

4. Contact Your Insurance Company

Act quickly in informing your car insurance provider about the accident. Insurance policies may require that you reach out within a certain window of time for a claim to move forward. Be prepared with details about the accident, but don’t divulge details that may assign blame to your actions.

The insurance company - and your legal team - will help determine the fairest outcome. If you don’t have experience filing claims, it may be a good idea to consult a legal professional first. They can help you choose the right words so your claim is not denied.

5. Seek Legal Help

Finally, know that working with a legal team experienced with personal injury cases may be the best step when you’re navigating the stormy waters of an accident.

A good personal injury attorney can walk you through the legal jargon and make sure the insurance companies don’t take advantage of you. They’ll have the polished negotiation skills to interact with insurance adjusters and courtroom personnel at each step in the process.

When ongoing litigation seems likely, don’t let costs become a concern. The best legal help in California will be transparent about how they do business. Many attorneys work on a contingency basis, so they won’t take home money unless you win your case. Ask for an itemized document detailing the fee structure - and ask about payment options before signing a contract.

Be Prepared After an Accident

Being diligent about documentation and communication after an accident is crucial if you want to advocate for yourself. Reach out to law enforcement or your employer, if relevant, and seek legal advice so you’re not overwhelmed.

Legal matters can get complicated in a hurry, so securing proper representation will give you an edge with insurance companies and other involved parties.