Have you recently been involved in an accident in Indiana? Whether a careless driver hit your car, you slipped and fell on another person’s property, or someone’s dog bit you, what you do next can make or break your ability to seek full and fair compensation from the responsible parties. Here are 10 critical steps to take, including contacting an experienced accident attorney to help with your claim.
Table of Contents
- 1 1. Report the accident.
- 2 2. Cooperate with police and/or other investigators.
- 3 3. If possible, take photos of the accident scene and your injuries.
- 4 4. Gather eyewitness contact information.
- 5 5. Get medical attention.
- 6 6. Hold on to everything.
- 7 7. Keep a journal.
- 8 8. Stay away from social media.
- 9 9. Don’t speak with the insurance company until you talk with a lawyer first.
- 10 10. Contact an experienced Indiana accident attorney today.
1. Report the accident.
The first thing to do after an accident is to report it to the appropriate authorities. In the case of a car accident, it may be the police. If the incident occurred at a store or place of business, you should notify store security or a manager. An official incident record will help you pursue insurance claims or take legal action. Provide accurate and detailed information about the accident’s time, location, and events.
2. Cooperate with police and/or other investigators.
Cooperate fully with police and any other investigators during their investigations. Give straightforward answers to their questions, such as your name and address, insurance details, and a clear account of the incident. However, never admit to fault or speculate on who is to blame. Stick to the facts and remain calm and respectful during the interaction. When it is available, get a copy of the report.
3. If possible, take photos of the accident scene and your injuries.
If it is safe and your condition allows, photograph the accident scene and your injuries. For example, in a car accident, document the condition of the vehicles, road conditions, and weather. If you fell on someone else’s property, take images of the hazard you slipped on and any signs warning of it (if any exist). Be thorough. Take photos from multiple angles to ensure a complete visual record.
4. Gather eyewitness contact information.
Eyewitnesses can provide critical, unbiased accounts of what occurred. Try to get contact information for anyone who may have seen the accident. The testimony of people with no stake in the outcome can be compelling.
5. Get medical attention.
As soon as you can, seek medical treatment. Visit your regular doctor if they can see you promptly. If not, you should consider an emergency facility or urgent care clinic. The sooner you get help, the better. Identifying and treating any injuries you may have suffered is critical before they have time to worsen. Injuries like concussions and soft tissue damage can become life-threatening if not treated promptly. Also, medical records help you establish a clear link between the accident and your injuries, making it harder for at-fault parties or insurers to dispute your claim.
6. Hold on to everything.
Start an evidence folder for everything related to the accident. You should include medical bills, receipts from accident-related expenses, communication with insurance companies, the official accident report, and photos you could take at the scene. Make copies of everything you can for safety. Keep the folder in a secure place.
7. Keep a journal.
Start a diary, or “pain journal,” in which you record your post-accident life. You should note how you feel, your challenges, and everything else you can remember about the accident. This journal can help you recall what happened and chart your pain and suffering in the aftermath of the accident. This information could prove crucial as you seek compensation for the non-financial aspects of what happened to you after your accident.
While sharing your experience with your friends and family via social media may be tempting, resist the urge to do so. Insurance companies often monitor accident victims’ online presence, looking for anything they can use to discredit their claims. For example, they might catch you writing something online that contradicts your official version of events. Even if this was an honest mistake, they will try to use it against you. You might also post photos of yourself engaging in activities at odds with the injuries you have suffered. The insurer might argue that it proves you are not as hurt as you’ve said you are. Be safe by setting your account to private, refusing new friend requests, and staying offline as much as possible,
9. Don’t speak with the insurance company until you talk with a lawyer first.
The at-fault party’s insurance company will call you up shortly after the accident, claiming they are checking in on you or need to start processing your claim. While the adjuster is sure to come across as professional or friendly, be aware that they are not on your side. Despite what they say, insurance companies are not in the business of paying claims. Instead, they seek to collect more money in premiums than they pay out to accident victims. The adjuster may trip you up and get you to say something that could undercut your case. Be courteous. However, you should decline to speak to them until you have talked to an attorney.
10. Contact an experienced Indiana accident attorney today.
Last but certainly not least, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Instead of expecting those responsible for your injuries to do what’s right, get the certainty of having a legal advocate of your own to assert your rights and demand fair compensation.
Truitt Law Offices has more than 40 years of experience and an impressive track record of winning big for accident victims like you, as evidenced by the 100+ five-star reviews we have on Google. When you need a personal injury lawyer who cares, it’s time to contact us for a free consultation with a compassionate, dedicated member of our team.
