What to Do if You Are Injured in an Accident

By Val Wilson, Esquire

No one wants to imagine what would happen if they were injured in an accident; it’s unsettling. Because of this, very few people have plans in place for what to do and what not do if there is an accident or injury. However, knowing what you should and should not do in the event of an accident will help in a chaotic, stressful time. There are important steps to take if this unfortunate event occurs. In the current environment, insurance carriers dispute valid claims and undervalue injuries. Therefore, you must take appropriate steps to help ensure that you will receive full and adequate compensation.

What You SHOULD Do After an Accident 

STEP ONE – Call the police

When the police arrive at the scene, be cooperative. They will document what occurred and report their findings. The accident report should include important information about the party at fault such as name, address, and insurance carrier. Although it may be tempting not to involve the police because of perceived time constraints, resist this temptation and call the police immediately. Their report is necessary to prove your case.

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STEP TWO – Secure immediate medical attention

After an accident, your body is reacting to the trauma. Adrenaline, shock, and nerves may overshadow the initial pain of your actual injuries. Once this wears off, you may be in a great deal of pain. For your own sake, your first stop should be an emergency room. Tell them about everything that feels wrong and make sure you give an accurate history about what happened. If you fell, tell them what you fell on. If you have numbness, tell them.  If you gut it out and don't go, the insurance company will say you were not hurt. Always err on the side of caution.

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STEP THREE – Report the claim to car insurance

If the incident is a motor vehicle accident, report it to the insurance carrier or better yet, have your lawyer do this immediately. There are many legalities and technicalities in an auto insurance policy that may come into play after an accident. Failure to report an accident may be grounds to deny coverage. It is better to have your lawyer report the claim. The personal injury lawyers at Wilson, Johnson and Zuber are experienced in motor vehicle accidents and know how to deal with insurance companies.

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STEP FIVE – Photographs

Pictures really are worth a thousand words. If you have a camera handy – or if you can get a camera to the scene – take pictures of your car damage, the scene, your injuries, and any other information you feel may be important. Use your best judgment and the more pictures the better. If you have been injured in a fall, take pictures of the dangerous conditions that caused your fall.

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STEP SIX – Contact Wilson, Johnson and Zuber, Trial Lawyers

If you have been injured in an accident and are considering going it alone, we strongly advise against it. Insurance companies will have a team working against you, trying to minimize your claim. You could end up paying for medical bills or damages that occurred through no fault of you own. Statistics clearly indicate that victims who retain legal representation receive greater compensation than those who do not. At Wilson, Johnson and Zuber, our track record speaks for itself. We fight for victims. Retain counsel immediately. Bring the photos to your consultation and have one of our lawyers report the claim to your insurance company.

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STEP SEVEN – Start a diary

Keep a daily diary about how the injuries impact your life. Memories fade; write down the details of the accident as soon as you possibly can. Include everything you can. Continue writing this diary, documenting how the injuries you’ve suffered have influenced your daily life. If you are forced to miss work or if you are in a state of constant pain, document this. This diary will be useful later.

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What You SHOULD NOT Do After an Accident 

• Do not give a recorded statement or discuss your injuries and how the accident occurred with anyone without your lawyer's permission. 
• Do not meet with any representative of the other party or insurance company. There are unethical people who will claim that you said something you did not say or that you appeared to be un-injured. 
• Refer any requests to meet or talk to your lawyer. If an insurance representative shows up unannounced, do not meet or discuss the case. Refer that person to your lawyer.
• Do not wait. Don’t delay in contacting a lawyer, your insurance company, seeking medical attention, or filing a police report. Delays can cost your case.

If you have been injured in an accident, seek legal representation. Contact the aggressive lawyers at Wilson, Johnson and Zuber today. We can help you through these chaotic and stressful times. We will fight for you! At Wilson, Johnson and Zuber, Trial Lawyers, we will take on the big insurance companies, car companies, or corporations responsible for your pain. If you have been injured through no fault of your own, contact our Philadelphia office today.

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