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Car accidents impact thousands of people each year. In 2022 alone, 363,715 individuals were involved in collisions across Indiana counties. If you’ve unfortunately been involved in such an accident, knowing the right steps to take afterward will reduce your stress and significantly improve your chances of securing a fair outcome.
In today’s article, our attorneys at Christie Farrell Lee & Bell will outline the critical steps to take following an accident to protect your rights.
Prioritize Safety After the Crash
Your first priority after a car accident is safety. If possible, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid further collisions. If you’re unable to move your vehicle, activate your hazard lights to alert other drivers of the situation.
Next, check yourself and others for injuries. Even if injuries seem minor, call 911 immediately to request emergency medical services and law enforcement. Quick medical attention can prevent injuries from worsening and ensure proper documentation for future claims.
Do Not Move Injured Persons Unless Absolutely Necessary
Avoid moving injured individuals unless their safety is at risk. Moving a person with serious injuries could worsen their condition and lead to further complications, especially if their injuries involve their head, neck, or spine.
Call the Police to Report the Accident
Regardless of the severity of the accident, contact law enforcement immediately. A police report (which typically includes the officer’s observations of the accident scene, witness statements, and any preliminary fault assessments) serves as crucial evidence for insurance claims and potential legal actions.
However, avoid making statements about fault to the police, as this could complicate your ability to recover compensation later. Let the authorities gather all the necessary information and collaborate but stick to the facts when disclosing details.
Gather Evidence Immediately
Gathering evidence at the scene is one of the most effective ways to strengthen your claim. Take clear photos of the damage to all vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Capture images of relevant traffic signs and document the scene from multiple angles.
It’s also important to collect contact information from other drivers, passengers, and any witnesses who saw the accident. Record license plate numbers, insurance details, and traffic conditions at the time of the collision. All this evidence will support your case when filing a personal injury lawsuit or negotiating with insurers later on.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t feel hurt immediately after the accident, seek prompt medical care. Injuries such as whiplash, organ damage, or TBIs may not present symptoms right away but can lead to long-term complications if left untreated.
Additionally, having detailed medical documentation is vital for your personal injury claim, as this can establish a clear link between the accident and your injuries. Make sure you keep all medical records and bills for this purpose.
Notify Your Insurance Company
After seeking medical attention, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Provide accurate information about the incident, but be careful not to admit fault or speculate about what happened.
An experienced attorney can handle communication with your insurance company, helping you navigate the process and ensuring you’re treated fairly. We can also review any settlement offers to determine if they adequately cover your losses.
Speak With an Indiana Car Accident Lawyer
After an accident, seek prompt legal help. An experienced car accident lawyer will gather evidence, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and ensure you don’t accept an unfair settlement. Also, we’ll help you through every stage of filing a car accident claim in Indiana, relieving you of the burden of dealing with the legal system.
Even if you share partial responsibility for the accident, we can leverage Indiana’s comparative fault system (as per Indiana Code § 34-51-2) to help you recover damages. Our goal is to build a solid, evidence-backed case that highlights the other party’s liability and puts you in the best position to secure fair compensation.
Continue Medical Treatment and Monitor Your Recovery
Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and attend all scheduled appointments. Failing to do so not only endangers your health but can also weaken your personal injury case, as gaps in treatment can be used against you to argue your injuries aren’t as severe as claimed.
Keep detailed records of all treatments, medications, and any progress or setbacks in your recovery. This information will support your case and provide a clearer picture of how the accident affected your life and well-being.
Understand Indiana’s Statute of Limitations
In Indiana, you generally have two years from the accident’s date to file a lawsuit, according to Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4. Failing to file within this time frame could result in losing your right to seek compensation altogether.
It’s important to take action promptly to preserve evidence and ensure your case is handled within the required deadlines. Working with an experienced attorney will help you navigate these timelines effectively and avoid costly delays.
Contact Christie Farrell Lee & Bell for Expert Legal Support After a Car Accident
At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, we have decades of experience helping car accident victims throughout Indiana. From the initial consultation to filing a claim and negotiating with insurers or representing you in court, we’re committed to guiding you through every step of the process and securing the maximum compensation available under the law.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you secure the compensation you deserve.