Important Steps to Take After an Accident
Accidents often occur at the worst possible times. That’s because we are never truly prepared for them. When you get injured, you are forced to spend money on your medical treatment and miss work, which can undermine your financial stability in an instant. While you may not always be able to prevent an accident, especially if it was the result of someone else’s negligence, you have complete control over your next steps.
The steps you take after an accident can have far-reaching positive or negative impacts on your life for years to come. Make one wrong move or say one wrong word and you could be left without a means of paying medical bills and covering other accident losses. At Stiberth, Scarlati & Boudreau, LLC, we work with clients to make sure they know exactly what to do after an accident and follow it like a blueprint to achieve the best possible outcome with their physical and financial recovery.
Take These Nine Steps if You Were Involved in an Accident
As personal injury attorneys with over 100 years of combined experience, we know how common it is for people to feel overwhelmed in the aftermath of an accident. A traumatic event in which you get injured could prevent you from thinking clearly and being able to comprehend what to do next. Sounds like your situation? Follow this nine-step plan as a starting point.
1. Get to a Place of Safety
Immediately after an accident, your top priority should be to ensure everyone's safety, including your own. In the event of a car accident, move your vehicle out of traffic and to a safer location if you’re able. This will prevent further collisions and allow emergency responders to do their jobs.
Why it matters: If you remain in an unsafe location, you could be putting yourself and others at risk.
Bonus tip: If you can't move your vehicle, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until help arrives.
2. Perform a Self-Evaluation
Next, take a moment to assess yourself for injuries. Check for any pain, bleeding, or other signs of injury. If you're feeling disoriented, dizzy, or otherwise unwell but have no visible injuries, it could be an indication of trauma. When in doubt, seek medical attention.
Why it matters: Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, but they could worsen if not treated promptly.
Bonus tip: If you have a pre-existing condition, be sure to mention it to your doctor during evaluation.
3. Seek Medical Attention
Regardless of whether you believe you're injured, it's a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional. Many injuries, including internal injuries and head trauma, may not show immediate symptoms.
Why it matters: Seeking medical attention not only ensures your well-being but also serves as essential documentation for any potential future claims.
Bonus tip: Document all medical visits and treatments related to your accident, including dates, descriptions, and any prescribed medications.
4. Report Your Accident
Reporting the accident to the appropriate authorities or person is essential. If you're in a vehicular accident, contact local law enforcement. For slips and falls, notify the property manager or owner.
Why it matters: An official accident report provides an account of the incident and will play a fundamental role in determining liability and pursuing compensation.
Bonus tip: Make sure to request a copy of the official report, as this documentation may be required by your insurance company or for any future legal claims.
5. Collect Information at the Scene
While at the scene, gather relevant information from others involved in the accident. This includes names, contact details, insurance information, and others. Also, take pictures of the scene, the surrounding conditions, and any visible injuries.
Why it matters: Insurance companies rely on accurate and comprehensive details to assess the situation and determine fault. The more information you can collect, the more straightforward the claims process will be.
Bonus tip: Use your smartphone to record a video of the scene, providing a 360-degree view of the surroundings. Focus on the details.
6. Speak to Witnesses
If anyone sees how you got injured, speak to them and be sure to collect their contact information. Eyewitness accounts can provide valuable context and support your version of events.
Why it matters: Witness testimony can strengthen your case by providing an independent perspective on the incident.
Bonus tip: If possible, ask witnesses to provide a written statement at the scene, detailing what they saw.
7. Write Down Your Narrative
Once you're in a safe place, take your time to write down your recollections of the accident. Be detailed and include information such as the time, date, weather conditions, and what you observed leading up to the incident.
Why it matters: A personal account of the events can help ensure that you don’t forget key details over time. It’s also helpful for establishing a clear timeline of the accident, which could be used for liability assessments.
Bonus tip: Consider recording your narrative as a voice memo on your phone as well. This way, you can capture your thoughts quickly and avoid missing any important details, even those that may seem irrelevant at the time.
8. Follow All Your Doctor's Instructions
After a medical evaluation, follow your doctor's recommendations closely. This may include attending follow-up appointments, taking prescribed medications, and participating in physical therapy.
Why it matters: Insurance companies may scrutinize your medical treatment history when processing claims. Demonstrating that you followed your doctor's advice will strengthen your case for compensation.
Bonus tip: Document your progress and any changes in your symptoms, as this information can be valuable for both your physical recovery and potential claims.
9. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
The aftermath of an accident can be so stressful and intimidating that you may have a hard time thinking clearly and looking at things objectively. At times like these, it helps when there is an attorney by your side. In fact, many personal injury law firms, including our own, offer free consultations. This means there’s no financial commitment or risk in seeking guidance after an accident.
Why it matters: With an attorney in your corner, you won’t have to second-guess your every decision. No more questions to yourself like, “Should I do this or that?” and “Should I say this or that?” This kind of clarity minimizes stress and can positively impact your physical recovery.
Bonus tip: Look for a law firm that has decades of legal experience like Stiberth, Scarlati & Boudreau, LLC. Our attorneys boast more than 100 years of combined experience.
Got Hurt in an Accident? We Can Help
While accidents may be unforeseen events that can disrupt our lives in an instant, you should know what you can do to accomplish the two things you care about the most right now: getting back on your feet and obtaining the compensation to which you are entitled.
If you have reached the final step of our guide and are looking for a personal injury attorney, contact Stiberth, Scarlati & Boudreau, LLC. Our team is ready to assist you through your next steps toward your recovery. We serve accident victims in Chicago, Illinois, and throughout Cook County and the five counties that border Cook County (the so-called Collar counties). Reach out to our office today to set up a free consultation.