Car accidents happen in an instant, but the decisions you make afterward can impact your health, finances, and legal rights. Many accident victims make critical mistakes that insurance companies use to undermine their claims—resulting in lowball settlements or outright denials.
As a seasoned car accident lawyer, I’ve helped countless victims recover maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. This step-by-step guide will walk you through exactly what to do after a car crash to protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.
Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Call for Help
Your first priority is safety. Here’s what to do immediately:
- Check for Injuries – If you or anyone else is hurt, call 911 right away. Even minor injuries can become serious later.
- Move to a Safe Location – If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic to prevent further accidents. Turn on your hazard lights.
- Call the Police – ALWAYS file a police report, even for minor accidents. Insurance companies rely on this to determine fault.
- Stay Calm & Don’t Admit Fault – Even saying “I’m sorry” can be twisted into an admission of guilt. Let the facts speak for themselves.
Important: If the other driver tries to talk you out of calling the police, don’t listen. Without a police report, proving your claim becomes much harder.
Step 2: Gather Strong Evidence at the Scene
Winning a car accident case depends on evidence. While waiting for the police, start collecting proof:
- Take Photos & Videos:
- Damage to all vehicles
- Your injuries (bruises, cuts, etc.)
- Skid marks, traffic signals, and road conditions
- License plates of all involved vehicles
- Gather Key Information:
- Other driver’s name, phone number, insurance company, and policy number
- Witness contact details (witnesses can make or break a case!)
- Police officer’s name and badge number
Pro Tip: If you’re too injured to document the scene, ask a witness to help or use your phone’s voice memo feature to record details.
Step 3: Seek Immediate Medical Attention (Even If You Feel Fine!)
Many car accident injuries take hours or even days to appear. Ignoring symptoms can:
- Worsen your condition
- Make it harder to prove your injuries
- Give insurance companies an excuse to deny your claim
Instead:
- Go to the ER or Urgent Care Immediately – A doctor’s diagnosis creates legal proof that your injuries were caused by the crash.
- Follow All Treatment Plans – Missed doctor visits can be used against you by insurers to argue that you weren’t really hurt.
- Watch for Delayed Symptoms – Look out for neck pain, dizziness, numbness, or headaches—signs of hidden injuries like whiplash or concussions.
Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company (But Be Cautious!)
WARNING: Insurance companies are NOT on your side. They train adjusters to find ways to pay you as little as possible.
Report the Accident ASAP, but stick to the basic facts only:
- Date, time, and location of the crash
- Vehicles involved
- Any visible damage
DO NOT:
- Admit fault (Even saying “I didn’t see them” can be used against you!)
- Give a recorded statement (Insurers use this to manipulate your words)
- Accept a quick settlement offer (It’s usually far lower than what you deserve!)
Pro Tip: Let an experienced car accident attorney handle all communications with insurance companies to maximize your payout.
Step 5: Protect Your Rights with a Car Accident Lawyer
If you’re injured in a car accident, hiring a lawyer can make the difference between a lowball settlement and full compensation.
An attorney will:
- Investigate the accident (gather police reports, surveillance footage, and expert testimony)
- Calculate the true value of your case (covering medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering)
- Handle ALL insurance negotiations (so you don’t get lowballed)
- File a lawsuit if necessary (most cases settle, but we prepare to win in court!)
Fact: Studies show that car accident victims with lawyers receive 3-5 times more compensation than those who negotiate alone.
Step 6: Understand Your Compensation Rights
If another driver caused your accident, you may be entitled to substantial compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses – Emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment
- Lost Wages – Compensation for missed work and lost earning potential
- Pain & Suffering – Compensation for emotional distress and reduced quality of life
- Property Damage – Vehicle repairs or replacement costs
Pro Tip: DO NOT accept the insurance company’s first offer. They lowball you hoping you’ll settle quickly. A lawyer will ensure you get EVERY DOLLAR you deserve.
Step 7: Beware of Insurance Company Tricks!
Insurance companies will try to reduce or deny your claim. Here’s how to avoid their most common traps:
- Delay Tactics – Hoping you’ll give up and accept a low offer
- Blaming You – Trying to shift fault onto you to reduce their payout
- Denying Medical Necessity – Claiming your injuries aren’t serious enough for compensation
- Quick, Lowball Offers – Rushing you into settling before you know the full extent of your injuries
How to Fight Back? Let a skilled car accident lawyer handle all negotiations! We know their tactics and won’t let them take advantage of you.
Step 8: Know Your Legal Deadlines (Statute of Limitations)
Every state has a deadline (statute of limitations) for filing a car accident lawsuit.
- In Michigan: You typically have 3 years from the accident date to file a claim.
- Exceptions Exist: If the accident involves a minor or government vehicle, different time limits may apply.
Pro Tip: Waiting too long can destroy your case. Contact a lawyer ASAP to protect your right to compensation.
Final Thoughts: Take Action to Protect Your Rights
A car accident can turn your life upside down, but you don’t have to fight alone. The right legal strategy can mean the difference between a denied claim and a life-changing settlement.
DON’T wait for insurance companies to take advantage of you!
Call (248) 352-2110 NOW for a FREE case evaluation.
100% No-Win, No-Fee – You Pay NOTHING Unless We Win!
- Get Maximum Compensation
- We Fight for You While You Focus on Healing
- Proven Track Record of Winning Millions for Car Accident Victims
Call Today: 866-HIRE-JOE