What do I do immediately after a car accident? – Here are 3 things you need to know.

The steps you take immediately after being injured are the most important time in your case. Take these 3 steps to protect your case:

1. Seek medical care if you haven’t already. – Even if you think you are not seriously injured, go to the ER or make an appointment with your primary care doctor. The longer you wait to obtain medical treatment, the more likely the insurance company is to deny your claim for bodily injuries or offer substantially less for compensation for your injuries.

2. Gather and preserve evidence – Make sure you take photographs of the damage to all vehicles involved in the accident, witness statements if any and any other physical evidence that may be involved. The single most important piece of evidence is the Police report. Therefore, you should always call 911 immediately if involved in an accident. Do not allow an at fault driver to persuade you to merely “exchange insurance information” with you instead of notifying the police.

3. Hire a personal injury attorney – The attorney will help you navigate through the legal process, including filing the claim with the at-fault insurer, as well as any other available insurance coverage. The attorney will ensure you are fully compensated for the entire scope of your damages. Keep in mind, the job of the insurance company is to pay out as little as possible for any claims. Failing to obtain an attorney can only prejudice your claim and reduce your settlement amount.