What Every Car Accident Victim Should Do in the First 24 Hours
Every car accident victim needs to know these essential steps for the first 24 hours. Explore your immediate actions and protect your rights today!
The first 24 hours of actions to take after getting into an auto accident can feel overwhelming without guidance. After checking for injuries and gathering evidence, the process can proceed in a number of ways. If you want to maintain control over your auto accident case and insurance claim, our team can relieve you of additional stress.
According to KTUL News, Oklahoma has seen a drastic surge in roadside assistance calls already this winter. Weather and outside factors catch drivers off guard, leaving them vulnerable.
At BDIW, we help protect car accident victims so they aren’t at fault or responsible for paying medical and repair bills. When you’re prepared for the unexpected, it can be easier to move forward without trauma. Our BDIW team can guide you through the entire legal process so you can feel confident on the road.
What Steps Do I Take as a Car Accident Victim?
At BDIW, we help car accident victims navigate the legal process to prevent being found at fault. Furthermore, our services ensure that you’re compensated for anything stemming from the car crash.
Not only does our team specialize in car accidents, but we also provide support with truck accidents and bicycle accidents.
Keep reading below to discover the most critical steps in our accident recovery guide!
Check for Injuries & Seek Help
If you’re a car accident victim, even a small hit can leave you in shock. The first thing to do after a car accident is to ensure no one is injured in the vehicle.
Although you might not be in a condition to call 911, you or someone nearby must contact the police. Calling 911 is essential because it begins the process for obtaining a police report, which is needed for insurance claims. From there, you must get to a safe location and check on passengers in the other vehicle involved.
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries, yet it can be difficult to identify without an examination. According to the WHO, between 20 and 50 million people suffer from non-fatal injuries in car crashes annually. Calling 911 will ensure you get medical and police help at the site of the incident.
Obtain Evidence at the Scene
Once you’ve followed the initial post-accident steps, you’ll want to document the incident. Not only does this assist in protecting accident rights, but it also protects you from being found guilty.
Here are some things you can gather to help prove your case:
- Take photos of the accident
- Photograph injuries
- Medical documentation related to the accident
- Witness information
- Any other details related
Fox Business found that 73% of survey respondents believed that roads would be safer with AI cameras and dashcams. If you’ve invested in a dashcam, the footage can be useful when proving your case in court.
Ultimately, you must seek medical treatment without delay. Although documentation is an important step, you don’t want symptoms to worsen if you delay care.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Dealing with insurance companies can be difficult as you recover from the accident, but you don’t want to avoid this step. Waiting too long to contact your insurance company can prevent premium cost hikes or being found at fault.
Most car insurance companies will request a series of information and photos to show that the accident wasn’t due to your actions. The sooner you contact your insurance team and provide them with accurate details, the sooner you can get auto repairs. To protect your claim, only use the basic facts and provide details when asked.
If you have any concerns about conversations with your insurance company, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our Oklahoma car accident lawyers can help you maximize compensation, and you don’t have to worry about fees unless you win the case!
Seek Legal Advice After a Crash
This is where BDIW (Boettcher, Devinney, Ingle, & Wicker) comes into the picture. We are a dedicated team that can be at your side when unthinkable events occur.
Here are the practice areas we serve:
- Ponca City
- Stillwater
- Tulsa
- Oklahoma City
With the BDIW team and resources, you’ll feel prepared for court. This can be helpful after car accidents since you may still be recovering while defending your case.
Our Team Is Here To Assist You Every Step Of The Way.
SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY TODAYFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who Qualifies as a Victim of an Accident?
If you’ve been harmed in a car accident because of someone else’s action, you will likely be identified as the victim. In some cases, only one vehicle (potentially yours) could be involved, even if it’s not your fault. Avoid taking responsibility at the scene of the accident to help protect your case.
How Long Can Car Accident Trauma Last?
Car accident trauma can last anywhere between a few days to several years. Most people see improvement within three to six months, especially if they focus on using coping mechanisms. The severity of the accident will be the largest factor in how long you can expect to recover mentally.
What Are the Biggest Red Flags Related to Car Crashes?
When severe injuries occur, you must seek medical help immediately. Often, most people get checked at the scene, where a medical team will then refer you to a doctor or hospital for a closer look. Bleeding, vision loss, and loss of consciousness are some of the more concerning symptoms to watch for after any accident.
Can I Still Apologize for the Accident?
YouGov data found that 24% of Americans apologize for situations that are outside of their control. If you fall into this category, try to avoid saying the words “I’m sorry,” since that can be viewed as an admission of guilt. Making claims that the accident is unfortunate and checking on people in the other vehicle will be more useful than taking any blame.
Drive Toward Your Auto Accident Case with Ease
After becoming a car accident victim, you might be hesitant to hit the roads in Oklahoma this winter. BDIW will help you defend your case so that inconveniences are minimal and you get the compensation you deserve.
Since 2012, our team has upgraded processes to provide comprehensive legal services in the Oklahoma region. Local residents benefit from working with our experienced attorneys who are precise and driven.
BDIW can help you maximize compensation after a free case consultation. Contact our personal injury lawyers at (866) 257-7646 or request a consultation online!
