Car accidents can be extremely stressful, from the pain of the injuries to wondering how to perform vehicle repairs. However, the preparations needed to properly file an insurance claim begin as soon as the accident ends. As there are many people who haven’t experienced a car crash firsthand, it can be difficult to know exactly what to do. If you want to learn what to do if hurt in a car accident, follow these five steps for guidance.

Call Law Enforcement Immediately After a Car Accident

After getting into a car accident, you should first call law enforcement for help, as the sooner they arrive at the scene, the more information they can gather. Not only will they help alert first responders and hospitals for medical assistance, but their preliminary investigation will be essential in proving who is at fault for the accident. They will conduct inspections of the damaged vehicles and crash scene, interview the other drivers at the location, and perform other tasks that can help your attorney’s case.

If You’ve Been Injured in a Car Accident, Seek Medical Attention ASAP

Whether or not you feel hurt after a car accident, it is imperative that you get medical treatment as soon as possible. Even if you or the other passengers in your car do not feel any pain, it is possible to be injured without knowing it. Some injuries may not be apparent at first, such as internal bleeding or concussions, and receiving proper medical attention can help identify these problems before they worsen. 

Additionally, seeking medical attention following a crash will help you when filing a personal injury claim. If you wait to receive treatment, insurance companies might argue that you were not injured during the collision or that your injury was unrelated to it, meaning you will be less likely to receive the compensation you deserve. Further, you should never omit any mild conditions, like headaches, because insurance companies can claim that you are lying. Informing emergency responders of every little detail of your pain and discomfort will ensure that insurance companies consider those injuries when they evaluate your claim.

Gathering Evidence Will Help When Filing a Personal Injury Claim

Police reports aren’t the only evidence that can support your claim, as you can collect proof of the accident yourself. Ask for the contact information of the other drivers and witnesses to the accident before they leave the scene. Including details such as their phone numbers and email addresses can be beneficial in tracking them down, as a police report may only contain their name.

Taking photos of the damaged cars with your phone can also help you provide evidence of the crash. While maintaining a diary or written record of pertinent information throughout the process will ensure you can remember facts you might otherwise forget. These details can include your doctor’s appointments, missed time from work, and other facts that can assist your lawyer and case.

Reach Out to an Attorney

While contacting your insurance company soon after you’re injured in a car accident is vital, so is finding an attorney. An insurance company might persuade you to make a statement early on and limit their payouts, and having an experienced car accident attorney at your side can help prevent that from occurring. 

Attorneys will work to help you obtain maximum compensation when filing a personal injury claim, with studies showing that those who are represented by an attorney receive more compensation money from an insurance company. Many car accident lawyers offer free consultations, so speaking with one early on will be of great value to you and your case.

If you were injured in a car accident and are searching for capable car accident attorneys in Philadelphia, reach out to Louis B. Himmelstein & Associates today. Our talented team also consists of Philadelphia motorcycle accident attorneys, among other legal experts. Contact us today at 215-790-9996 and let us help you get the compensation you rightfully deserve.