Important Steps to Take After an Accident
Accidents are sudden and often overwhelming events that can disrupt your life in unexpected ways. Whether it’s a car crash, a slip and fall, or another type of injury, knowing what to do in the aftermath is crucial.
Taking the right steps can protect your health, your rights, and your financial future, especially if you need to pursue compensation with the help of a personal injury attorney.
You don’t have to figure everything out on your own, as you can rely on my firm, Lyndon Ruhnke, PC, to guide you through the right steps to take if you’re in an accident in the Portland metropolitan area. I can help provide a detailed roadmap for anyone who’s been involved in an accident.
Let’s start with these essential steps to take after you’ve been in an accident.
Prioritize Safety First
When an accident occurs, your immediate priority should be to attend to the safety of everyone involved. The chaos of an accident scene can escalate quickly, and it’s essential to act cautiously to prevent further harm.
Move to a Safe Location: If you’re involved in a car accident and it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle to the side of the road or a safer area. This helps reduce the risk of additional collisions, especially in high-traffic areas.
Turn on Hazard Lights: Turning on your hazard lights signals to other drivers that there’s an emergency. This can help prevent further incidents and make the accident scene more visible.
Assist Others if Possible: Check on the well-being of others involved in the accident, including passengers, pedestrians, or other drivers. If someone appears injured, provide reassurance but avoid moving them unless it’s necessary to prevent imminent danger, such as a fire or oncoming traffic.
After taking these steps, you should remain calm and composed. Checking for everyone’s safety is the first critical action that sets the tone for how the situation will be handled moving forward.
Call Emergency Services
In most cases, contacting emergency services is a crucial next step. Oregon law requires the reporting of accidents involving injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage. Beyond legal requirements, having first responders on the scene can help stabilize the situation and provide necessary assistance.
Dial 911: Clearly inform the operator of your location and the nature of the accident. Provide as much detail as possible, including any immediate threats to safety or medical emergencies.
Cooperate with First Responders: When police, firefighters, or paramedics arrive, cooperate fully. Answer their questions honestly but avoid admitting fault or speculating about the cause of the accident. Provide only the facts as you know them.
Calling emergency services not only allows the injured parties to receive prompt medical attention but also creates an official record of the accident. This documentation can be crucial if you need to file a claim or pursue legal action with a personal injury attorney.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine after the accident, seeking medical attention is essential. Some injuries, such as whiplash, concussions, or internal damage, may not present symptoms immediately but can have serious consequences if left untreated.
Accept On-Site Medical Assistance: If paramedics offer to examine you, accept their assistance. They can identify potential injuries and provide immediate care if necessary.
Visit a Doctor: Schedule a follow-up appointment with your physician or visit an urgent care clinic for a comprehensive evaluation. Early detection of injuries can prevent complications and strengthen your claim if you pursue legal action with a personal injury attorney.
Document Your Injuries: Keep detailed records of your medical visits, diagnoses, treatments, and any prescribed medications. This information can serve as critical evidence in your case.
By prioritizing your health and seeking timely medical care, you not only protect your well-being but also allow any injuries related to the accident to be properly documented.
Document the Scene
Accurate documentation of the accident scene is invaluable for both insurance claims and legal proceedings. Collecting evidence while the details are fresh can help establish what happened and who may be at fault.
Take Photos and Videos: Use your smartphone or a camera to capture clear images of the accident scene. Focus on vehicle positions, property damage, road conditions, weather, traffic signals, and any visible injuries.
Write Down Details: Create a written account of the incident, including the time, date, and location. Include a description of the events leading up to the accident, as well as any observations you made afterward.
Preserve Evidence: Hold onto physical evidence such as damaged personal items, torn clothing, or debris from the accident. These items can support your version of events.
Taking the time to thoroughly document the scene can significantly strengthen your case and help you avoid disputes later.
Gather Contact Information
Exchanging information with other parties involved in the accident is a critical step. Having accurate details helps you communicate with others as needed and facilitates the claims process.
For Car Accidents:
Obtain the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all drivers and passengers.
Record driver’s license numbers.
Gather insurance policy details, including the provider and policy number.
Take note of vehicle make, model, and license plate numbers.
For Other Accidents:
Collect the contact information of property owners, managers, or others responsible for the location where the accident occurred.
Speak with witnesses and request their contact details for future statements if necessary.
Collecting comprehensive and accurate contact information makes it easier to handle follow-ups and provides a foundation for resolving any disputes.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Promptly notifying your insurance company about the accident is essential, particularly in Oregon, which operates as a "fault" state for auto accidents. This means that the party responsible for the accident is liable for damages.
Provide Factual Information: Stick to the facts when describing the accident. Avoid sharing unnecessary details or admitting fault.
Avoid Admitting Fault: Insurance adjusters and investigators will determine liability. Avoid making statements that could be interpreted as an admission of guilt.
Keep Records: Document all communications with your insurance company. Save copies of emails, letters, and notes from phone calls to maintain a clear record.
Being transparent but cautious in your interactions with your insurer helps protect your claim and facilitates a smoother resolution.
Avoid Common Pitfalls
Certain actions can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation. Being mindful of these potential pitfalls can help you avoid unnecessary complications:
Delaying Medical Treatment: Waiting to seek care can harm your health and weaken your case, as insurers may argue that your injuries are unrelated to the accident.
Discussing the Accident Publicly: Refrain from posting details on social media or discussing the incident with anyone other than your attorney or insurer. Public comments can be used against you.
Signing Anything Without Legal Advice: Insurance companies may pressure you to settle quickly, often for less than you could get otherwise. Consult a personal injury attorney before signing any documents.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can safeguard your rights and position yourself for a favorable outcome.
Consult a Personal Injury Attorney
If you’ve suffered injuries or incurred significant property damage, consulting an experienced personal injury attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Legal professionals can help you through the processes and advocate on your behalf.
Schedule a Free Consultation: Many personal injury attorneys in Oregon offer no-cost case evaluations, allowing you to discuss your situation and understand your options.
Provide Comprehensive Information: Share all evidence, documentation, and details of the accident with your attorney. This gives them the necessary tools to build a strong case.
Understand Your Rights: Oregon’s statutes of limitations for personal injury claims typically allow two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. An attorney can help you meet all deadlines and procedural requirements.
Working with a skilled attorney can help you recover compensation while relieving some of the stress involved in the process.
Keep a Personal Accident Journal
Maintaining a detailed journal of your experiences and recovery process can be a valuable tool for both personal and legal purposes. A well-kept journal provides a clear picture of how the accident has affected your life.
Daily Notes: Record your pain levels, emotional state, and any limitations caused by your injuries. Be specific about your challenges and how they impact your daily routine.
Medical Progress: Document all medical appointments, treatments, and therapies. Include information about prescribed medications and their effects.
Impact on Your Life: Note disruptions to your work, hobbies, or personal relationships. This information can support claims for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
Your journal serves as a powerful record that can support your case and help you articulate the full extent of your losses.
Follow Up Regularly
Taking a proactive approach to your recovery and claims process helps you remain on track and avoid unnecessary delays.
Communicate With Your Attorney: Regular updates and check-ins with your law firm help them stay informed and keep your case moving forward.
Adhere to Medical Advice: Following your doctor’s recommendations is critical for your recovery and demonstrates to insurers that you’re committed to healing.
Review Insurance Correspondence: Carefully read all communications from your insurance company to make sure they align with your understanding of the case. Raise any discrepancies with your attorney.
By staying engaged and organized, you can get through the aftermath of an accident with greater confidence and control.
Contact Me to Work With an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
The aftermath of an accident can be a challenging and confusing time. However, taking the proper steps can help protect your health, legal rights, and financial interests.
If you’re in Portland, Beaverton, Gresham, or any town across Oregon and need legal guidance, contact my firm, Lyndon Ruhnke, PC, so I can provide the support and advocacy you need to secure a favorable resolution to your case.
Reach out today to get started with a free consultation.