What to Do After a Car Accident in Indiana

Nobody gets behind the wheel of a motor vehicle and anticipates getting into an accident. However, the actions of other drivers are often unpredictable, making it possible for anyone to get into a life-altering wreck. This is why knowing what to do after a car accident is incredibly important.

When discussing what to do after a wreck, it is important to know what to do immediately after the accident and how to handle the legal aspects of the collision in the following weeks or months. Read on to learn more about what we believe are the most important steps to take after a car accident in Indiana.

The First Five Minutes

Following a car accident, the first step is seeking medical attention. If you are severely hurt in a collision, call 911 and ask for an ambulance. Follow the operator’s instructions as best as you can and answer any questions they have to the best of your ability. While it may be difficult, staying calm is pertinent to keeping the situation under control.

Sometimes serious injuries do not show any immediate or obvious symptoms. For example, signs of a concussion may not appear for several hours following the wreck. Therefore, even if you believe you are unharmed, we recommend getting evaluated by a medical professional..

Next, speak with the police. Even if you were unharmed in the accident, and your vehicle sustained minor damage, it is still wise to call  the police to ensure you have a detailed police report. This documentation acts as an unbiased account of the accident and can be majorly beneficial when settling a car accident claim.

Again, if you can, we advise that you exchange information with potential witnesses and any other drivers involved. You can do this while you wait for medical personnel or the police to arrive at the scene. Make sure to get their first and last name and their phone number. If possible, try to get a photo of the insurance information from the other drivers.

During this time, you should also take photographs. Make sure to take photos of any damage to the vehicles involved, injuries, including cuts and bruises, and the scene as a whole. By taking a variety of images, you can help paint a picture of what the accident looked like.

The Following Weeks

In the weeks following the accident, there are two professionals you should seek out before talking to insurance companies or signing any documentation: your doctor and your personal injury attorney.

You need to visit your doctor for a medical exam to check for any underlying injuries. Again, while you may feel fine walking away from the accident, there can be injuries that are not immediately obvious and can be debilitating if left untreated. A medical exam can help prevent these underlying injuries from manifesting into more serious medical conditions.

Additionally, seeking legal advice can also help you with your financial health. Insurance companies or subsidiaries may try to get you to sign documents that prevent you from recovering adequate compensation for your losses. Additionally, they may call you and try to twist your statements into admissions of fault.

Before signing anything or talking to an insurance claim adjuster, you should consult a personal injury attorney. An experienced legal professional can help guide you through this process and ensure that the negligent driver’s insurance company does not take advantage of you.

An Attorney is Here to Help After an Indiana Car Accident

At Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos, and Newlin, we believe it is essential for every driver to know what to do after a car accident in Indiana. If you are in need of legal guidance following a wreck, or have further questions about how to best preserve your claim, contact our firm today. Allow us to handle the legal aspects of your case while you focus on recovering from your crash.