You've been involved in a car accident. Now what? The personal injury attorneys at Church Church Hittle and Antrim share some things you may want to do (or not do) after your accident. 

Personal injury cases occur when a person’s body, mind, or emotions are injured as a result of someone else’s negligent or wrongful conduct. Following a personal injury, it is easy to become shaken, disoriented, and confused. You may be unsure what happened or what to do next. Below are some general guidelines to help you know what to do.

• Stay calm and report the accident. Try to stay calm and assess your situation. If anyone is injured, immediately call the police for help and request medical assistance. Even if medical assistance is not required, it is important to have a police report detailing the accident. Police reports often include very helpful information, such as identifying information and statements of parties and witnesses, a diagram of the accident, and opinions as to the cause of the accident.

• Ask questions and exchange information. You will need the names and contact information of everyone involved, including any witnesses. Be sure to find out insurance information of all persons and entities involved. Note if anyone is injured or has taken blame for the accident.

• Document the accident. Photograph and take detailed notes of the accident scene and your injuries. Keep a recovery journal, noting your treatment, progress, daily pain levels, how your injuries impact your daily life, and tasks and activities you are unable to perform. Details of the accident can get foggy over time. Taking a few minutes a day to keep a journal can be very helpful to your personal injury claim.

• Seek medical treatment. If you are injured, it is important that you immediately seek medical treatment and follow your medical provider’s recommendations. In some cases, your injuries may not be noticeable right away. It is important that you seek medical attention at the first sign of any symptoms or pain. It may also be beneficial to seek medical attention following an accident regardless of how you feel.

• Track of your expenses. You will be responsible for your medical bills and out-of-pocket expenses until your claim is settled. Carefully track all money expended on your claim and save receipts. To assist with payment of your medical bills, you can check the insurance policies for medical payments coverage. If you do not have medical payments coverage, your health insurance should pay your medical bills, but will assert a claim to be reimbursed out of your settlement proceeds. If you have no insurance or other way to pay your medical bills, you can contact your medical provider and ask for a deferment or payment arrangement.

• Avoid social media. Insurance companies and adjusters can (and will likely) find posts, which can influence outcomes during settlement negotiations and/or trial. Staying offline after a personal injury accident can help prevent you from admitting guilt or liability, going against your own testimony, and preventing yourself and those close to you from making damaging or threatening comments that can damage your position. As tempting as it may be to post health updates, it is best to leave the medical reporting to your physician.

• Consult a personal injury attorney. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident because of someone else’s negligence or wrongful conduct, it is important that you have a qualified personal injury lawyer representing you from the outset. Contact CCHA Law and we will carefully review your case to ensure you receive the personal attention and dedication you deserve.

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You should have no hesitation to schedule an initial visit with an attorney nor be concerned about the costs or fees related to that consultation. CCHA Law charges no fee for an initial consultation on an injury matter and there is no obligation to use our services. Almost all of our injury and death cases are handled on a contingent fee basis.

This allows injured parties to access our justice system without having to pay hourly fees to a lawyer. Under a contingent fee agreement, the lawyer provides legal services on the case, with payment for those legal services being contingent upon a recovery satisfactory to the client.

We always have a written, concise, and clear engagement agreement which is fully explained before you are committed to pay anything. Under a contingent fee agreement, the final decision on your case is made by you, after the attorney has offered advice and recommendations. When you choose CCHA Law as a partner, the case will not settle without you first authorizing it, and you will not be required to go to trial if you choose to settle instead.

No matter the type of case, CCHA Law is ready and prepared to fight for your rights.

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